5 Most Traveled Bridges in New York In Desperately Poor Condition

New York’s 17,573 bridges place the state in 13th place for the most bridges in one state. However, New York ranks 7th when it comes to the U.S. states with the greatest number of structurally deficient bridges. Learn more about the five most traveled bridges in New York in desperately poor condition, and what bridge examiners look for when performing safety inspections.

What Do Bridge Inspectors Examine?

New York bridge inspections performed by the Federal Highway Administration focus on four criteria and give a numerical rating of “0” (failed) to “9” (excellent). The bridge is structurally deficient if the total score is a four or lower. A zero rating closes the bridge until the completion of repairs or a full replacement.

One of the inspected components is the deck, which is the pavement or concrete base portion you drive on. Eleven percent of New York’s structurally deficient bridges need deck repairs. Cracks, uneven sections, and missing pavement or concrete signal issues with the deck.

Below that is the superstructure, which supports the deck and connects two or more substructures. Horizontal and diagonal beams cross from one vertical substructure to the next, which provides the necessary support. Rust and cracks are clear signs of problems with superstructure.

Substructures connect the superstructure to the below-ground or underwater bridge footings. Again, cracks and rust are common indicators of problems. To ensure that water drains properly from all of these areas, there are also culverts for drainage. Experts design each component carefully to account for weather, vibrations, wind, and traffic weight.

Now that you better understand what triggers a structurally deficient rating, check out these five New York bridges that need repairs. Most of them are found in New York City and experience high amounts of daily traffic.

1. Queens: I-678 Bridge Over the Flushing Bay Promenade

The I-678 starts at New York’s busiest airport, the John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, and travels about 14 miles north to the Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx. As it’s the main route in and out of JFK and is close to Shea Stadium, this bridge gets a lot of traffic.

The NYC DOT Harper Street Yard sits west of the bridges where the I-678 passes over the Flushing Bay Promenade. This bridge sees an average of 183,587 crossings, but deck problems led to a low score. While several areas of the I-678 and Van Wyck Expressway need repairs, projects are being completed one at a time.

1. Queens: Route 907M/Commonwealth Boulevard Bridge

Around 154,703 vehicles cross the Route 907M/Commonwealth Boulevard Bridge in Little Neck each day. It’s not surprising as the Cross Island Parkway and Grand Central Parkway overpass is just south of this bridge. It is the second most traveled bridge in New York that needs repairs.

Built in 1971, the Route 907M/Commonwealth Boulevard Bridge received a poor rating for the deck and the approach guardrails. As of October 31, 2023, the New York Department of Transportation reports the bridge is still in need of repairs.

3. Queens: Route 907M Over Route I-295

The Route 907M Over I-295 Bridge earned a fair rating during the last inspection in 2022. However, there are still two areas that inspectors called out that need repairs. Those two issues include the underclearance and the deck geometry.

This New York bridge was built in 1963 at the junction of Grand Central Parkway and I-78. It’s fair to say that the average 146,095 vehicles that cross it each day strain the older structure. It’s also a very busy junction for traffic heading from Long Island to Manhattan and coming to and from Queens.

4. Kings: Route I-278 Over Route I-278/Brooklyn Promenade at Furman Street

The Route I-278 over Route I-278/Brooklyn Promenade Bridge is the fourth in this list of New York bridges that need repairs. Around 143,734 vehicles cross this bridge daily on their way to and from Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. As it was built in 1944, it’s one of the oldest bridges in the list of most traveled New York bridges in poor condition.

Both the bridge’s deck and superstructure received poor marks, and the deck geometry also received inadequate ratings from inspectors. As the I-278 is part of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, there are plans underway to complete repairs of the BQE by 2032. As repairs are made, traffic will be rerouted into Downtown Brooklyn.

5. Westchester: Route 907K Over 907 GX Bridge

In fifth place is the Route 907K Over 907 GX Bridge. It’s in a busy section where the Cross County Parkway crosses the Bronx River Parkway and North MacQuesten Parkway. With an initial construction date of 1983, it’s the youngest bridge on our list and has 143,278 crossings per day.

What caused this poor rating? Inspectors found the substructure to be in poor condition. The channel passed, but signs that the banks were damaged were evident. The underclearance was also found to require correction.

A Summary of the Most Traveled Bridges in New York in Desperately Poor Condition