US Bridges

Horseshoe Bend RD over Copper Creek

PoorPosted for load

Hunterdon County, New Jersey · 0.9 MI South of Nj 12 · Structure no. 1000079

Built
1896
129 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
160
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Horseshoe Bend RD over Copper Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying Horseshoe Bend RD over Copper Creek in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It was built in 1896, so it is 129 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 160 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 193 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesHorseshoe Bend RD
CrossesCopper Creek
Location0.9 MI South of Nj 12
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHunterdon County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.51101, -75.0452
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating38 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic160 (2023)
Projected traffic193 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$807,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Horseshoe Bend RD over Copper Creek built?

It was built in 1896, making it 129 years old in 2025.

What condition is Horseshoe Bend RD over Copper Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Horseshoe Bend RD over Copper Creek carry?

About 160 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Horseshoe Bend RD over Copper Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Horseshoe Bend RD over Copper Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.