US Bridges

Essex ST (cr 56 I) over Saddle River

Fair

Bergen County, New Jersey · 0.10 MI East of CR 79 · Structure no. 020031A

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
35,582
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Essex ST (cr 56 I) over Saddle River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Essex ST (cr 56 I) over Saddle River in Bergen County, New Jersey. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 35,582 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,698 by 2042. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesEssex ST (cr 56 I)
CrossesSaddle River
Location0.10 MI East of CR 79
RouteCounty Highway 56I
CountyBergen County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.89511, -74.07861
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,582 (2022)
Projected traffic42,698 by 2042
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$301,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Essex ST (cr 56 I) over Saddle River built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is Essex ST (cr 56 I) over Saddle River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Essex ST (cr 56 I) over Saddle River carry?

About 35,582 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Essex ST (cr 56 I) over Saddle River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Essex ST (cr 56 I) over Saddle River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.