US Bridges

Rt 542 over Merrygold Br.Wading Riv

Fair

Burlington County, New Jersey · 1.43 MI W of US Rt 9 · Structure no. 03H8520

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
65 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,257
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rt 542 over Merrygold Br.Wading Riv is a prestressed concrete slab carrying Rt 542 over Merrygold Br.Wading Riv in Burlington County, New Jersey. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger 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 6 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 3,257 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,975 by 2043. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRt 542
CrossesMerrygold Br.Wading Riv
Location1.43 MI W of US Rt 9
RouteCounty Highway 542
CountyBurlington County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates39.60009, -74.48018
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,257 (2023)
Projected traffic3,975 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$491,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rt 542 over Merrygold Br.Wading Riv built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rt 542 over Merrygold Br.Wading Riv 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Rt 542 over Merrygold Br.Wading Riv carry?

About 3,257 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Rt 542 over Merrygold Br.Wading Riv?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Rt 542 over Merrygold Br.Wading Riv?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.