US Bridges

I-78 WB over Norfolk Southern RR

Fair

Hunterdon County, New Jersey · 0.22 Mi. E of I-78 Exit 7 · Structure no. 1014153

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
287 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
52,756
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 WB over Norfolk Southern RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 WB 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 52,756 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,307 by 2042. The structure is 287 ft (87.5 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-78 WB
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location0.22 Mi. E of I-78 Exit 7
RouteInterstate 78
CountyHunterdon County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.65945, -75.06519
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89 US tons
Inventory rating53 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length287 ft (87.5 m)
Longest span133 ft (40.5 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic52,756 (2022)
Projected traffic63,307 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure3
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 WB over Norfolk Southern RR built?

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

What condition is I-78 WB 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 WB over Norfolk Southern RR carry?

About 52,756 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

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

The structure is 287 ft (87.5 m) long with a longest span of 133 ft (40.5 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 WB over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.