US Bridges

CR 561 over Cape May Branch

Fair

Camden County, New Jersey · 1.6MI Neof A.C. Exp EX.31 · Structure no. 0460150

Built
1906
119 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
104 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,531
2024 count
Owner
Unknown
Unknown

About this bridge

CR 561 over Cape May Branch is a steel truss - thru carrying CR 561 over Cape May Branch in Camden County, New Jersey. It was built in 1906 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 119 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 5,531 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,749 by 2044. The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR 561
CrossesCape May Branch
Location1.6MI Neof A.C. Exp EX.31
RouteCounty Highway 561
CountyCamden County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates39.65724, -74.84294
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckSteel plate
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length104 ft (31.7 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,531 (2024)
Projected traffic6,749 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerUnknown
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$5.5 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was CR 561 over Cape May Branch built?

It was built in 1906, making it 119 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is CR 561 over Cape May Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does CR 561 over Cape May Branch carry?

About 5,531 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CR 561 over Cape May Branch?

The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CR 561 over Cape May Branch?

It is owned by the Unknown and maintained by the Other State Agency.