US Bridges

Ocean Drive CR 621 over Middle Thorofare

PoorPosted for load

Cape May County, New Jersey · 1.68 MI E of Nj Rt 109 · Structure no. 3100006

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Movable - Bascule
Steel
Length
1,044 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,502
2023 count
Owner
Toll Authority
Local Toll Authority

About this bridge

Ocean Drive CR 621 over Middle Thorofare is a steel movable - bascule carrying Ocean Drive CR 621 over Middle Thorofare in Cape May County, New Jersey. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 9,502 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,403 by 2043. The structure is 1,044 ft (318.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOcean Drive CR 621
CrossesMiddle Thorofare
Location1.68 MI E of Nj Rt 109
RouteCounty Highway 621
CountyCape May County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates38.95678, -74.87566
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Bascule
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+21 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length1,044 ft (318.2 m)
Longest span111 ft (33.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,502 (2023)
Projected traffic11,403 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerLocal Toll Authority
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$87.4 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ocean Drive CR 621 over Middle Thorofare built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ocean Drive CR 621 over Middle Thorofare in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does Ocean Drive CR 621 over Middle Thorofare carry?

About 9,502 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Ocean Drive CR 621 over Middle Thorofare?

The structure is 1,044 ft (318.2 m) long with a longest span of 111 ft (33.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ocean Drive CR 621 over Middle Thorofare?

It is owned by the Local Toll Authority and maintained by the County Highway Agency.