US Bridges

RTE I278 over Forest Ave

Fair

Richmond County, New York · JCT I278+W Shore Expy · Structure no. 000000001067651

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
169 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
38,018
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE I278 over Forest Ave is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE I278 over Forest Ave in Richmond County, New York. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 6 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 38,018 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,148 by 2022. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesRTE I278
CrossesForest Ave
LocationJCT I278+W Shore Expy
RouteInterstate 278
Coordinates40.62506, -74.1777
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.2 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,018 (2014)
Projected traffic60,148 by 2022
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$6.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I278 over Forest Ave built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE I278 over Forest Ave 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I278 over Forest Ave carry?

About 38,018 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is RTE I278 over Forest Ave?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.2 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I278 over Forest Ave?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.