US Bridges

Nj 21 SB over Chester Avenue

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 1.42 MI N of I-280 · Structure no. 0716152

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
77 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
38,510
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nj 21 SB over Chester Avenue is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nj 21 SB over Chester Avenue in Essex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 70 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 38,510 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,990 by 2043. The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNj 21 SB
CrossesChester Avenue
Location1.42 MI N of I-280
RouteState Highway 21
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.76713, -74.15999
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating105.1 US tons
Inventory rating81 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length77 ft (23.5 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,510 (2023)
Projected traffic46,990 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Nj 21 SB over Chester Avenue built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Nj 21 SB over Chester Avenue 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 Nj 21 SB over Chester Avenue carry?

About 38,510 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Nj 21 SB over Chester Avenue?

The structure is 77 ft (23.5 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Nj 21 SB over Chester Avenue?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.