US Bridges

Main ST (rt 535) over South River

Fair

Middlesex County, New Jersey · 0.22 Miles South of CR675 · Structure no. 123B093

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
336 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,614
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Main ST (rt 535) over South River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Main ST (rt 535) over South River in Middlesex County, New Jersey. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 years old, younger 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 13,614 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,612 by 2043. The structure is 336 ft (102.4 m) long and 59 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMain ST (rt 535)
CrossesSouth River
Location0.22 Miles South of CR675
RouteCounty Highway 535
CountyMiddlesex County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.45535, -74.37213
Functional classUrban Minor 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
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating48 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length336 ft (102.4 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width59 ft (18 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,614 (2023)
Projected traffic16,612 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedDeck rehabilitation with only incidental widening
Estimated improvement cost$459,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Main ST (rt 535) over South River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Main ST (rt 535) over South 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Main ST (rt 535) over South River carry?

About 13,614 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Main ST (rt 535) over South River?

The structure is 336 ft (102.4 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 59 ft wide.

Who owns Main ST (rt 535) over South River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.