US Bridges

Ri 78 West By-Pass over Ri 3 Ashaway RD

Fair

Washington County, Rhode Island · 1.6 MI E of Conn Line · Structure no. 000000000008540

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
174 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,100
2008 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ri 78 West By-Pass over Ri 3 Ashaway RD is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ri 78 West By-Pass over Ri 3 Ashaway 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 5 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 174 ft (53 m) long and 52 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRi 78 West By-Pass
CrossesRi 3 Ashaway RD
Location1.6 MI E of Conn Line
RouteState Highway 78
CountyWashington County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.39181, -71.80956
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length174 ft (53 m)
Longest span86 ft (26.2 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.7 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 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 closed—
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$24.3 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 78 West By-Pass over Ri 3 Ashaway RD built?

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

What condition is Ri 78 West By-Pass over Ri 3 Ashaway 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 Ri 3 Ashaway 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 Ri 3 Ashaway RD?

The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long with a longest span of 86 ft (26.2 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 78 West By-Pass over Ri 3 Ashaway RD?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.