US Bridges

Route Nj 21 over Conrail (newark Branch)

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 1.53 MI N of 21-280 JCT · Structure no. 0716153

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
135 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
63,920
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route Nj 21 over Conrail (newark Branch) is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route Nj 21 over Conrail (newark Branch) in Essex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 5 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 63,920 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 78,000 by 2043. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute Nj 21
CrossesConrail (newark Branch)
Location1.53 MI N of 21-280 JCT
RouteState Highway 21
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.76868, -74.15916
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating63.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span131 ft (39.9 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.9 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic63,920 (2023)
Projected traffic78,000 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesOther
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Route Nj 21 over Conrail (newark Branch) built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route Nj 21 over Conrail (newark Branch) 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 Nj 21 over Conrail (newark Branch) carry?

About 63,920 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Route Nj 21 over Conrail (newark Branch)?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 131 ft (39.9 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns Route Nj 21 over Conrail (newark Branch)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.