US Bridges

I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR

Fair

Hunterdon County, New Jersey · 1.2 MI E of NJ173(EXIT 7) · Structure no. 1014154

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
146 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
79,825
2024 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 and reconstructed in 1986, 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 79,825 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 97,401 by 2044. The structure is 146 ft (44.5 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 EB
CrossesNorfolk Southern RR
Location1.2 MI E of NJ173(EXIT 7)
RouteInterstate 78
CountyHunterdon County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.66176, -75.04919
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
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 inspectionApril 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length146 ft (44.5 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.2 m)
Roadway width51 ft (15.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic79,825 (2024)
Projected traffic97,401 by 2044
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 EB over Norfolk Southern RR built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

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 April 2024.

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

About 79,825 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

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

The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 EB over Norfolk Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.