US Bridges

Elm Road over Branch of Stony Brook

Fair

Mercer County, New Jersey · 1 MI N of Rt 206 · Structure no. 1133510

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,817
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Elm Road over Branch of Stony Brook is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying Elm Road over Branch of Stony Brook in Mercer County, New Jersey. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 12,817 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,330 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesElm Road
CrossesBranch of Stony Brook
Location1 MI N of Rt 206
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMercer County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.35445, -74.68082
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,817 (2023)
Projected traffic15,330 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$619,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Elm Road over Branch of Stony Brook built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Elm Road over Branch of Stony Brook 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Elm Road over Branch of Stony Brook carry?

About 12,817 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Elm Road over Branch of Stony Brook?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Elm Road over Branch of Stony Brook?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.