US Bridges

I-78 over Branch Rockaway Creek

Fair

Hunterdon County, New Jersey · 0.34 MI W of I-78 Exit 20 · Structure no. 1018158

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
129,446
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 over Branch Rockaway Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-78 over Branch Rockaway Creek in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 6 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 129,446 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 155,335 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-78
CrossesBranch Rockaway Creek
Location0.34 MI W of I-78 Exit 20
RouteInterstate 78
CountyHunterdon County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.64707, -74.84068
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic129,446 (2023)
Projected traffic155,335 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-78 over Branch Rockaway Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-78 over Branch Rockaway Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I-78 over Branch Rockaway Creek carry?

About 129,446 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-78 over Branch Rockaway Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-78 over Branch Rockaway Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.