US Bridges

RTE 278 over Arthur Kill

Good

Richmond County, New York · I278 Nj/Ny Border · Structure no. 000000005523052

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Stayed Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,986 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
34,120
2019 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

RTE 278 over Arthur Kill is a steel continuous stayed girder carrying RTE 278 over Arthur Kill in Richmond County, New York. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 years old, younger than the New York average of 53 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 34,120 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,598 by 2041. The structure is 1,986 ft (605.3 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 278
CrossesArthur Kill
LocationI278 Nj/Ny Border
RouteInterstate 278
CountyRichmond County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.63382, -74.19453
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStayed Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadOther
Structure length1,986 ft (605.3 m)
Longest span900 ft (274.3 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width53 ft (16.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,120 (2019)
Projected traffic43,598 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byPrivate (other than railroad)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$197.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 278 over Arthur Kill built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 278 over Arthur Kill in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 278 over Arthur Kill carry?

About 34,120 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is RTE 278 over Arthur Kill?

The structure is 1,986 ft (605.3 m) long with a longest span of 900 ft (274.3 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 278 over Arthur Kill?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority and maintained by the Private (other than railroad).