US Bridges

County Rt 543 over Rancocas Creek

Fair

Burlington County, New Jersey · 5.26 MI NE of Nj Rt 73 · Structure no. 3000003

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 2013
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
397 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25,200
2005 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

County Rt 543 over Rancocas Creek is a steel movable - swing carrying County Rt 543 over Rancocas Creek in Burlington County, New Jersey. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 2013, so it is 90 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 25,200 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 30,300 by 2026. The structure is 397 ft (121 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Rt 543
CrossesRancocas Creek
Location5.26 MI NE of Nj Rt 73
RouteCounty Highway 543
CountyBurlington County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.045, -74.95833
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.7 US tons
Inventory rating25.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckClosed grating
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length397 ft (121 m)
Longest span113 ft (34.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,200 (2005)
Projected traffic30,300 by 2026
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byLocal Toll Authority
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$11 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was County Rt 543 over Rancocas Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2013.

What condition is County Rt 543 over Rancocas 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does County Rt 543 over Rancocas Creek carry?

About 25,200 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is County Rt 543 over Rancocas Creek?

The structure is 397 ft (121 m) long with a longest span of 113 ft (34.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns County Rt 543 over Rancocas Creek?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority.