US Bridges

Changewater Road over Musconetcong River

PoorPosted for load

Hunterdon County, New Jersey · 2.5 MI NE Nj 31 · Structure no. 10XXL93

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
81 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,147
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Changewater Road over Musconetcong River is a masonry arch - deck carrying Changewater Road over Musconetcong River in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 125 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,147 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2043. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesChangewater Road
CrossesMusconetcong River
Location2.5 MI NE Nj 31
RouteCounty Highway 645
CountyHunterdon County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.73853, -74.94117
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,147 (2023)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Changewater Road over Musconetcong River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is Changewater Road over Musconetcong River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Changewater Road over Musconetcong River carry?

About 1,147 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Changewater Road over Musconetcong River?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Changewater Road over Musconetcong River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.