US Bridges

Rt Nj 21 SB over Valve Chamber

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 0.25 MI N of CR 506 · Structure no. 0717151

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
39 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
38,510
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rt Nj 21 SB over Valve Chamber is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rt Nj 21 SB over Valve Chamber 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 38,510 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,990 by 2043. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRt Nj 21 SB
CrossesValve Chamber
Location0.25 MI N of CR 506
RouteState Highway 21
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.78967, -74.14636
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width16 ft (5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 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
CrossesOther
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Rt Nj 21 SB over Valve Chamber built?

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

What condition is Rt Nj 21 SB over Valve Chamber 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 SB over Valve Chamber carry?

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

How long is Rt Nj 21 SB over Valve Chamber?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Rt Nj 21 SB over Valve Chamber?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.