US Bridges

SR 278 over Hocking River

Fair

Athens County, Ohio · 0.2M N of JCT Usr 33 · Structure no. 0503347

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
225 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,597
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 278 over Hocking River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 278 over Hocking River in Athens County, Ohio. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger than the Ohio average of 47.3 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 1,597 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,217 by 2038. The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 278
CrossesHocking River
Location0.2M N of JCT Usr 33
RouteState Highway 278
CountyAthens County
StateOhio
Coordinates39.45856, -82.24038
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length225 ft (68.6 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,597 (2018)
Projected traffic2,217 by 2038
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 278 over Hocking River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 278 over Hocking River 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 SR 278 over Hocking River carry?

About 1,597 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 278 over Hocking River?

The structure is 225 ft (68.6 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR 278 over Hocking River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.