US Bridges

US 46 over Rockaway River

Fair

Morris County, New Jersey · 1.46 MI W of Passaic Riv. · Structure no. 1410157

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
47,093
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 46 over Rockaway River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 46 over Rockaway River in Morris County, New Jersey. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 85 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 47,093 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,512 by 2043. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 129 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 46
CrossesRockaway River
Location1.46 MI W of Passaic Riv.
RouteU.S. Route 46
CountyMorris County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.85804, -74.34793
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width129 ft (39.2 m)
Roadway width112 ft (34.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,093 (2023)
Projected traffic56,512 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 46 over Rockaway River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is US 46 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 46 over Rockaway River carry?

About 47,093 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 46 over Rockaway River?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 129 ft wide.

Who owns US 46 over Rockaway River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.