US Bridges

Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 1.2MI N of RT21&280 JCT · Structure no. 0716150

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
1,916 ft
38 main spans
Daily traffic
38,438
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB is a concrete continuous slab carrying Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB in Essex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 38,438 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,902 by 2043. The structure is 1,916 ft (584 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesNj 21 SB (viaduct)
CrossesNj 21 NB
Location1.2MI N of RT21&280 JCT
RouteState Highway 21
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.76145, -74.16362
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans38 (+6 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,916 ft (584 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,438 (2023)
Projected traffic46,902 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$104.8 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB carry?

About 38,438 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB?

The structure is 1,916 ft (584 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.