US Bridges

RTE 27 over Howells Road

Fair

Suffolk County, New York · 2.4 MI NE JCT Rts 231+27 · Structure no. 000000001056119

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
204 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
95,936
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

RTE 27 over Howells Road is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying RTE 27 over Howells Road in Suffolk County, New York. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 95,936 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 114,115 by 2041. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 114 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRTE 27
CrossesHowells Road
Location2.4 MI NE JCT Rts 231+27
RouteState Highway 27
CountySuffolk County
StateNew York
Coordinates40.73081, -73.27176
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 2023
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 rating80.7 US tons
Inventory rating62.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span89 ft (27.1 m)
Deck width114 ft (34.6 m)
Roadway width106 ft (32.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic95,936 (2020)
Projected traffic114,115 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$16.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was RTE 27 over Howells Road built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is RTE 27 over Howells Road 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 2023.

How much traffic does RTE 27 over Howells Road carry?

About 95,936 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is RTE 27 over Howells Road?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 89 ft (27.1 m) and a deck 114 ft wide.

Who owns RTE 27 over Howells Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.