US Bridges

Nj 162 over Cape May Canal

Fair

Cape May County, New Jersey · 0.5 MI South of US 9 · Structure no. 0513150

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
484 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
16,050
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nj 162 over Cape May Canal is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nj 162 over Cape May Canal in Cape May County, New Jersey. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 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 16,050 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,260 by 2043. The structure is 484 ft (147.5 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNj 162
CrossesCape May Canal
Location0.5 MI South of US 9
RouteState Highway 162
CountyCape May County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates38.96098, -74.92259
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating64 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length484 ft (147.5 m)
Longest span118 ft (36 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,050 (2023)
Projected traffic19,260 by 2043
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 SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible 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 Nj 162 over Cape May Canal built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nj 162 over Cape May Canal 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 2023.

How much traffic does Nj 162 over Cape May Canal carry?

About 16,050 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nj 162 over Cape May Canal?

The structure is 484 ft (147.5 m) long with a longest span of 118 ft (36 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns Nj 162 over Cape May Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.