US Bridges

Ri 78 West By-Pass over White Rock RD

Fair

Washington County, Rhode Island · 0.9 MI NW of JCT Ri 91 · Structure no. 000000000008510

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
94 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,100
2008 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ri 78 West By-Pass over White Rock RD is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ri 78 West By-Pass over White Rock RD in Washington County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger than the Rhode Island average of 54.5 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 13,100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,720 by 2036. The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesRi 78 West By-Pass
CrossesWhite Rock RD
Location0.9 MI NW of JCT Ri 91
RouteState Highway 78
Coordinates41.39416, -71.83902
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length94 ft (28.7 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.9 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,100 (2008)
Projected traffic15,720 by 2036
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.5 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 78 West By-Pass over White Rock RD built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ri 78 West By-Pass over White Rock RD 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Ri 78 West By-Pass over White Rock RD carry?

About 13,100 vehicles per day (2008 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ri 78 West By-Pass over White Rock RD?

The structure is 94 ft (28.7 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 78 West By-Pass over White Rock RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.