US Bridges

Nj 27 over Raritan River

Fair

Middlesex County, New Jersey · Boat Lanch @ 2nd Av -Park · Structure no. 1217150

Built
1895
130 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
595 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
23,717
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nj 27 over Raritan River is a masonry arch - deck carrying Nj 27 over Raritan River in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1895 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 130 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 23,717 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,939 by 2042. The structure is 595 ft (181.4 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNj 27
CrossesRaritan River
LocationBoat Lanch @ 2nd Av -Park
RouteState Highway 27
CountyMiddlesex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.49736, -74.43881
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadUnknown
Structure length595 ft (181.4 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.5 m)
Roadway width41 ft (12.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck21 ft (6.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,717 (2022)
Projected traffic28,939 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$6,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nj 27 over Raritan River built?

It was built in 1895, making it 130 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Nj 27 over Raritan 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Nj 27 over Raritan River carry?

About 23,717 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nj 27 over Raritan River?

The structure is 595 ft (181.4 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns Nj 27 over Raritan River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.