US Bridges

US 46 over Nj 53

Fair

Morris County, New Jersey · 0.67 Mi. East of I-80 · Structure no. 1410150

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1987
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
95 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25,796
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 46 over Nj 53 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 46 over Nj 53 in Morris County, New Jersey. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1987, so it is 84 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 25,796 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,476 by 2043. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 46
CrossesNj 53
Location0.67 Mi. East of I-80
RouteU.S. Route 46
CountyMorris County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.89087, -74.47802
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating82 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length95 ft (29 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.2 m)
Roadway width57 ft (17.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,796 (2023)
Projected traffic31,476 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$101,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 46 over Nj 53 built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1987.

What condition is US 46 over Nj 53 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 US 46 over Nj 53 carry?

About 25,796 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 46 over Nj 53?

The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns US 46 over Nj 53?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.