US Bridges

I-280 over Nj 21

Good

Essex County, New Jersey · At NJ21 Junction · Structure no. 0731157

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
106 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
77,798
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-280 over Nj 21 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-280 over Nj 21 in Essex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 2017, so it is 75 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 77,798 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 93,358 by 2043. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 128 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-280
CrossesNj 21
LocationAt NJ21 Junction
RouteInterstate 280
CountyEssex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.74784, -74.16781
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.7 US tons
Inventory rating70.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.2 m)
Deck width128 ft (39 m)
Roadway width123 ft (37.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic77,798 (2023)
Projected traffic93,358 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-280 over Nj 21 built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is I-280 over Nj 21 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does I-280 over Nj 21 carry?

About 77,798 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-280 over Nj 21?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.2 m) and a deck 128 ft wide.

Who owns I-280 over Nj 21?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.