US Bridges

Co. Rt 642 over Rockaway River

Fair

Morris County, New Jersey · 0.5 Mi. South of RTE 80 · Structure no. 1400965

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
55 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,854
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rt 642 over Rockaway River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Co. Rt 642 over Rockaway River in Morris County, New Jersey. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 97 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 5,854 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,143 by 2043. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. Rt 642
CrossesRockaway River
Location0.5 Mi. South of RTE 80
RouteCounty Highway 642
CountyMorris County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.90472, -74.59928
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating68 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,854 (2023)
Projected traffic7,143 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$275,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rt 642 over Rockaway River built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is Co. Rt 642 over Rockaway 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Rt 642 over Rockaway River carry?

About 5,854 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rt 642 over Rockaway River?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rt 642 over Rockaway River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.