Interstate 278 facts for kids

Interstate 278 Shield

Interstate 278, often called I-278, is a major highway in the United States. It is part of the large network of roads known as the Eisenhower Interstate System. This system helps people travel across the country easily. I-278 stretches from Linden, New Jersey, all the way to The Bronx in New York City.

Along its path, I-278 has several different names. These include the Staten Island Expressway, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), the Gowanus Expressway, the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, and the Bruckner Expressway. This highway helps connect many important areas in New Jersey and New York.

About Interstate 278

Interstate 278 is an important road for daily travel and trade. It connects different parts of New York City and New Jersey. The highway is about 35 miles (56 kilometers) long. It helps millions of drivers get around the busy New York metropolitan area.

Where I-278 Starts and Ends

The western end of I-278 is in Linden, New Jersey. Here, it connects with US Highway 1-9. From there, it crosses over the Goethals Bridge into Staten Island, New York. The highway then continues through Brooklyn and Queens. It finally ends in The Bronx, where it meets the Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95/I-295).

Different Names of I-278

As I-278 travels through different boroughs, its name changes:

• Staten Island Expressway: This is the name for the part of I-278 on Staten Island.
• Gowanus Expressway: This section is in Brooklyn and is known for being an elevated highway.
• Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE): This part runs through Brooklyn and Queens. It is a very busy road.
• Robert F. Kennedy Bridge: This famous bridge connects Queens, Manhattan, and The Bronx. I-278 uses this bridge.
• Bruckner Expressway: This is the final section of I-278 in The Bronx.

History of I-278

The idea for Interstate 278 came from plans to build a network of highways across the United States. The Eisenhower Interstate System began in the 1950s. It aimed to create fast and safe roads for travel and defense.

Building the Highway

Construction of different parts of I-278 happened over many years. For example, the Gowanus Expressway section was built in the 1930s and 1940s. It was later made part of I-278. The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway was also built in sections, with some parts opening in the 1950s and 1960s. Building these highways was a huge project. It involved many engineers and construction workers. They had to build bridges, tunnels, and elevated sections to fit the road through busy cities.

Impact on Travel

Interstate 278 has greatly changed how people travel in the New York area. Before these highways, getting around was much slower. Now, I-278 allows drivers to cross boroughs and even states more quickly.

Connecting Communities

The highway connects many different neighborhoods and communities. It helps people get to work, school, and other places. It also helps businesses transport goods. While it makes travel easier, it also brings a lot of traffic to the areas it passes through.

Images for kids

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  View west along I-278 between the New Jersey Turnpike and US 1/9 in Elizabeth. The wide median provided room for an intended expansion and extension of the road which never occurred.

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  Homes along the Staten Island Expressway

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  The Gowanus Expressway during the 2008 Five Boro Bike Tour

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  I-278 southbound approaching Downtown Brooklyn

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  The expressway rising to its elevated section in Brooklyn

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  Approach to the Robert F. Kennedy (Triborough) Bridge in Astoria, with Hoyt Avenue on either side

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  Eastbound I-278 in the Bronx, at the exit for I-895 (now NY 895)

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  The start of I-278 in New Jersey

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  I-278 westbound entering New Jersey

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  The new exit 15 on the SIE eastbound, opened on July 9, 2012

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  The original Gowanus Expressway in 1954, before widening. This part was built on the BMT Third Avenue Elevated

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  Climbing out of trench in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, and passing St. Stephens to head south for Gowanus Canal as seen during the Five Boro Bike Tour

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  The eastern end of I-278, at the Bruckner Interchange

See also

In Spanish: Interestatal 278 para niños