US Bridges

Route US 9 over Delaware Bay

Fair

Cape May County, New Jersey · Cape May Ferry Terminal · Structure no. 3200002

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Movable - Lift
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,237
2020 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Route US 9 over Delaware Bay is a steel movable - lift carrying Route US 9 over Delaware Bay in Cape May County, New Jersey. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 61 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 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 1,237 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,484 by 2040. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute US 9
CrossesDelaware Bay
LocationCape May Ferry Terminal
RouteU.S. Route 9
CountyCape May County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates38.96871, -74.95903
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Lift
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width13 ft (3.9 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck24 ft (7.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,237 (2020)
Projected traffic1,484 by 2040
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$777,000 (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route US 9 over Delaware Bay built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is Route US 9 over Delaware Bay 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Route US 9 over Delaware Bay carry?

About 1,237 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Route US 9 over Delaware Bay?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Route US 9 over Delaware Bay?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.