US Bridges

South Orange Ave. over West Branch Rahway River

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 1 MI East of CR 527 JCT · Structure no. 0700107

Built
1991
34 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
47 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
18,775
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

South Orange Ave. over West Branch Rahway River is a concrete culvert carrying South Orange Ave. over West Branch Rahway River in Essex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1991 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 34 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 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 18,775 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,530 by 2043. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 72 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesSouth Orange Ave.
CrossesWest Branch Rahway River
Location1 MI East of CR 527 JCT
RouteCounty Highway 510
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.75367, -74.29267
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating71 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width72 ft (21.8 m)
Roadway width54 ft (16.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,775 (2023)
Projected traffic22,530 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure3
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was South Orange Ave. over West Branch Rahway River built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is South Orange Ave. over West Branch Rahway River 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 South Orange Ave. over West Branch Rahway River carry?

About 18,775 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is South Orange Ave. over West Branch Rahway River?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 72 ft wide.

Who owns South Orange Ave. over West Branch Rahway River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.