US Bridges

Route Nj 21 NB over Second River

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 2.5 MI N of 280-21 JCT · Structure no. 0716160

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
144 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
38,510
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route Nj 21 NB over Second River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route Nj 21 NB over Second River in Essex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1964, 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 38,510 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,990 by 2043. The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesRoute Nj 21 NB
CrossesSecond River
Location2.5 MI N of 280-21 JCT
RouteState Highway 21
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.77953, -74.1489
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating69 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length144 ft (43.9 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 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
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route Nj 21 NB over Second River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route Nj 21 NB over Second 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Route Nj 21 NB over Second River carry?

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

How long is Route Nj 21 NB over Second River?

The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Route Nj 21 NB over Second River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.