US Bridges

Ramp L over Nj Route 21

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 3.82 MI N of 280-21 JCT · Structure no. 0717152

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
181 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,120
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ramp L over Nj Route 21 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ramp L over Nj Route 21 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 5,120 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,240 by 2043. The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRamp L
CrossesNj Route 21
Location3.82 MI N of 280-21 JCT
RouteState Highway 21
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.79749, -74.14015
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating96 US tons
Inventory rating58 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length181 ft (55.2 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,120 (2023)
Projected traffic6,240 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$1,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ramp L over Nj Route 21 built?

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

What condition is Ramp L over Nj Route 21 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 Ramp L over Nj Route 21 carry?

About 5,120 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ramp L over Nj Route 21?

The structure is 181 ft (55.2 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Ramp L over Nj Route 21?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.