US Bridges

Rt Nj 21 over RUTGERS-RT506 & Main ST

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 3 MI N of Rts 280-21 JCT · Structure no. 0717150

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
243 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
77,020
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rt Nj 21 over RUTGERS-RT506 & Main ST is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rt Nj 21 over RUTGERS-RT506 & Main ST in Essex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 77,020 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 93,980 by 2043. The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long and 87 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRt Nj 21
CrossesRUTGERS-RT506 & Main ST
Location3 MI N of Rts 280-21 JCT
RouteState Highway 21
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.78622, -74.14841
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating97 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length243 ft (74.1 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width87 ft (26.4 m)
Roadway width78 ft (23.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic77,020 (2023)
Projected traffic93,980 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Rt Nj 21 over RUTGERS-RT506 & Main ST built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rt Nj 21 over RUTGERS-RT506 & Main ST 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Rt Nj 21 over RUTGERS-RT506 & Main ST carry?

About 77,020 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Rt Nj 21 over RUTGERS-RT506 & Main ST?

The structure is 243 ft (74.1 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 87 ft wide.

Who owns Rt Nj 21 over RUTGERS-RT506 & Main ST?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.