US Bridges

RTE I278 over I278 Relief

Fair

Richmond County, New York · I278 over the Narrows · Structure no. 00000000552121I

Built
1965
60 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
480 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,994
2020 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE I278 over I278 Relief is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying RTE I278 over I278 Relief in Richmond County, New York. It was built in 1965 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 60 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 4,994 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,381 by 2041. The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesRTE I278
CrossesI278 Relief
LocationI278 over the Narrows
RouteInterstate 278
CountyRichmond County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.61335, -74.02819
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length480 ft (146.3 m)
Longest span126 ft (38.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,994 (2020)
Projected traffic6,381 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$12.8 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE I278 over I278 Relief built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is RTE I278 over I278 Relief 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does RTE I278 over I278 Relief carry?

About 4,994 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is RTE I278 over I278 Relief?

The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long with a longest span of 126 ft (38.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns RTE I278 over I278 Relief?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.