US Bridges

Somers Point RD over Babcock Creek

Fair

Atlantic County, New Jersey · 0.04 MI South of Nj 40 · Structure no. 01HML37

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
57 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,090
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Somers Point RD over Babcock Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Somers Point RD over Babcock Creek in Atlantic County, New Jersey. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 years old, older than the New Jersey average of 58.5 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 10,090 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,108 by 2043. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesSomers Point RD
CrossesBabcock Creek
Location0.04 MI South of Nj 40
RouteCounty Highway 559
CountyAtlantic County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates39.45014, -74.72116
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,090 (2023)
Projected traffic12,108 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$387,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Somers Point RD over Babcock Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is Somers Point RD over Babcock Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Somers Point RD over Babcock Creek carry?

About 10,090 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Somers Point RD over Babcock Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Somers Point RD over Babcock Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.