US Bridges

I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR

Fair

Hunterdon County, New Jersey · .22 Mi.E. of I-78 EXIT-7 · Structure no. 1014152

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
284 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
52,954
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 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 52,954 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,545 by 2042. The structure is 284 ft (86.6 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-78 EB
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location.22 Mi.E. of I-78 EXIT-7
RouteInterstate 78
CountyHunterdon County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.65931, -75.06724
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length284 ft (86.6 m)
Longest span131 ft (39.9 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.8 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic52,954 (2022)
Projected traffic63,545 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 52,954 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR?

The structure is 284 ft (86.6 m) long with a longest span of 131 ft (39.9 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.