US Bridges

Penwell Road over Musconetcong River

Fair

Hunterdon County, New Jersey · 0.4 MI East of Nj 57 · Structure no. 10XXL96

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,904
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Penwell Road over Musconetcong River is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Penwell Road over Musconetcong River in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1983, 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 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 1,904 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,285 by 2043. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 21 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesPenwell Road
CrossesMusconetcong River
Location0.4 MI East of Nj 57
RouteCity Street 0
CountyHunterdon County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.77792, -74.90325
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,904 (2023)
Projected traffic2,285 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$496,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Penwell Road over Musconetcong River built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is Penwell Road over Musconetcong River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Penwell Road over Musconetcong River carry?

About 1,904 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Penwell Road over Musconetcong River?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Penwell Road over Musconetcong River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.