US Bridges

CR 563 over Beach Thorofare

FairPosted for load

Atlantic County, New Jersey · 3.57 Miles SE of RT9 · Structure no. 4700001

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
554 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,726
2024 count
Owner
Private
Private (other than railroad)

About this bridge

CR 563 over Beach Thorofare is a steel movable - bascule carrying CR 563 over Beach Thorofare in Atlantic County, New Jersey. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 6,726 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,072 by 2044. The structure is 554 ft (168.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 563
CrossesBeach Thorofare
Location3.57 Miles SE of RT9
RouteCounty Highway 563
CountyAtlantic County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates39.3376, -74.51488
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+14 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length554 ft (168.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,726 (2024)
Projected traffic8,072 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerPrivate (other than railroad)
Maintained byPrivate (other than railroad)
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 563 over Beach Thorofare built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR 563 over Beach Thorofare 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does CR 563 over Beach Thorofare carry?

About 6,726 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is CR 563 over Beach Thorofare?

The structure is 554 ft (168.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns CR 563 over Beach Thorofare?

It is owned by the Private (other than railroad).