US Bridges

Bell Avenue over Spruce Run

FairPosted for load

Hunterdon County, New Jersey · 0.5 MI North of Nj 31 · Structure no. 10XXG62

Built
1896
129 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
84 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
753
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bell Avenue over Spruce Run is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying Bell Avenue over Spruce Run in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It was built in 1896 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 753 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 904 by 2043. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesBell Avenue
CrossesSpruce Run
Location0.5 MI North of Nj 31
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHunterdon County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.70686, -74.94334
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating24 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic753 (2023)
Projected traffic904 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bell Avenue over Spruce Run built?

It was built in 1896, making it 129 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is Bell Avenue over Spruce Run 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 2023.

How much traffic does Bell Avenue over Spruce Run carry?

About 753 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Bell Avenue over Spruce Run?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Bell Avenue over Spruce Run?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.