US Bridges

Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 0.8 MI S of RT7&21 JCT · Structure no. 0716158

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
1,539 ft
24 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 steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nj 21 SB (viaduct) over Nj 21 NB in Essex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1994, 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 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 38,438 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,399 by 2043. The structure is 1,539 ft (469.1 m) long and 45 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
Location0.8 MI S of RT7&21 JCT
RouteState Highway 21
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.7756, -74.15283
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans24
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,539 ft (469.1 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,438 (2023)
Projected traffic40,399 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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$75.8 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 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

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 1,539 ft (469.1 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.