US Bridges

RTE 27 over 278IX Fdr Drive Cherry

Fair

New York County, New York · RTE 27 over East River · Structure no. 000000002240028

Built
1909
116 years old, rebuilt 2004
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2022
Type
Suspension
Steel
Length
6,119 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
43,477
2019 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 27 over 278IX Fdr Drive Cherry is a steel suspension carrying RTE 27 over 278IX Fdr Drive Cherry in New York County, New York. It was built in 1909 and reconstructed in 2004, so it is 116 years old, older than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 43,477 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,681 by 2041. The structure is 6,119 ft (1,865.1 m) long and 96 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 27
Crosses278IX Fdr Drive Cherry
LocationRTE 27 over East River
RouteState Highway 27
CountyNew York County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.70968, -73.99213
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating46 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSuspension
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+40 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length6,119 ft (1,865.1 m)
Longest span1,470 ft (448 m)
Deck width96 ft (29.3 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic43,477 (2019)
Projected traffic43,681 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$792.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 27 over 278IX Fdr Drive Cherry built?

It was built in 1909, making it 116 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2004.

What condition is RTE 27 over 278IX Fdr Drive Cherry in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in November 2022.

How much traffic does RTE 27 over 278IX Fdr Drive Cherry carry?

About 43,477 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE 27 over 278IX Fdr Drive Cherry?

The structure is 6,119 ft (1,865.1 m) long with a longest span of 1,470 ft (448 m) and a deck 96 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 27 over 278IX Fdr Drive Cherry?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.