5 Most Traveled Bridges in Downstate New York In Desperately Poor Condition

Downstate New York, the most heavily urbanized portion of the state, is a maze of infrastructure. New York City streets, highways, and interchanges crisscross the region like an elaborate spider’s web. Bridges that carry traffic across some of these thoroughfares may be in good, fair, or poor condition. What are the most traveled bridges in Downstate New York that are in poor condition?

What Constitutes a Bridge in Poor Condition?

The term actually used in reports is “structurally deficient.” This means that one or more essential structural components of the bridge are in poor—or worse—condition. These key components are the superstructure, substructure, deck, or culverts. Bridge inspectors rate key elements during inspection on a scale of 0-9, with 0 meaning “failed” and 9 meaning “excellent.” “Poor” condition is a rating of 4. According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, the following are the five most traveled bridges in need of repair. New York has already addressed the other five in the report.

1. Route 907M Over Douglaston Parkway

This bridge, located in Queens, carries Route 907M (the Grand Central Parkway) over Douglaston Parkway. This is near the interchange of 907M and the Cross Island Parkway. Over 154,000 cars cross this per day. Most of the bridge is in adequate shape, but the decking has suffered some decay, rating out as poor on the last inspection. Engineering consultants have recommended bridge and roadway improvements totaling over $190,000,000.

2. Route 907M Over Commonwealth Boulevard

The New York State Department of Transportation built this bridge in 1971. It carries a daily traffic load of 154,703 vehicles over Commonwealth Avenue. Engineers rated the deck condition as poor, with noted issues of spalling and deterioration. Inspectors recommend that rather than replace it, New York should widen it and rehabilitate the deck. The estimated total cost for the project is about $30,000,000.

3. Route I-278 Over Route I-278, Brooklyn Promenade

The Brooklyn Promenade is part of a multi-terrace highway within a quarter mile of the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge was constructed in 1941 along Furman Street and carries 143,724 vehicles per day along I-278’s curved path. Recent inspections have revealed that the deck and the superstructure are in poor shape. Inspectors recommend that New York replace the deck and widen it a little. The cost of this project is estimated to be $99,986,000.

4. Route I-95 Over Bronx River Avenue, Ramp I

The bridge carrying I-95, otherwise known as the Cross Bronx Expressway, crosses Sheridan Boulevard near the Bronx River. 141,112 vehicles per day travel this route. The deck and the superstructure of the 1951 bridge have been rated as being in poor condition, with concrete deterioration and section loss. Engineers also determined that the bridge doesn’t provide enough clearance to the waterway below. Construction crews are currently working on the onramp.

5. Route 907A Over Totten Road

Route 907A, otherwise known as the Cross Island Parkway, passes over Totten Road near the entrance to Fort Totten. This small overpass sees nearly 140,000 vehicles pass over it per day. The bridge was built in 1941. The deck was rated as poor during the last inspection, and it is recommended that the deck be replaced at a total cost of over $8 million.

Summary of Most Traveled Bridges in Downstate New York In Desperately Poor Condition