US Bridges

RTE 901 over Rockaway Inlet

Fair

Queens County, New York · Marine Pkwy Br Rckwy Inlt · Structure no. 000000005521240

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
3,985 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
18,260
2011 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE 901 over Rockaway Inlet is a steel movable - lift carrying RTE 901 over Rockaway Inlet in Queens County, New York. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 89 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 18,260 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,345 by 2041. The structure is 3,985 ft (1,214.6 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 17.4 mi (28 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 901
CrossesRockaway Inlet
LocationMarine Pkwy Br Rckwy Inlt
RouteCity Street 901
CountyQueens County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.57817, -73.88776
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+20 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length3,985 ft (1,214.6 m)
Longest span540 ft (164.5 m)
Deck width59 ft (18.1 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,260 (2011)
Projected traffic18,345 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed17.4 mi (28 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$518.4 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 901 over Rockaway Inlet built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is RTE 901 over Rockaway Inlet 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 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 901 over Rockaway Inlet carry?

About 18,260 vehicles per day (2011 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is RTE 901 over Rockaway Inlet?

The structure is 3,985 ft (1,214.6 m) long with a longest span of 540 ft (164.5 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 901 over Rockaway Inlet?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.