US Bridges

I-78 WB Inner Rdwy over Conrail

Fair

Essex County, New Jersey · 2.3 M W of Njtpk · Structure no. 0723171

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
235 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
42,436
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 WB Inner Rdwy over Conrail is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 WB Inner Rdwy over Conrail in Essex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, younger 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 42,436 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 51,780 by 2043. The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-78 WB Inner Rdwy
CrossesConrail
Location2.3 M W of Njtpk
RouteInterstate 78
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.70972, -74.19428
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length235 ft (71.6 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.2 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42,436 (2023)
Projected traffic51,780 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-78 WB Inner Rdwy over Conrail built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-78 WB Inner Rdwy over Conrail 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does I-78 WB Inner Rdwy over Conrail carry?

About 42,436 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-78 WB Inner Rdwy over Conrail?

The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.2 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 WB Inner Rdwy over Conrail?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.