US Bridges

US 46 over Passaic River

Fair

Morris County, New Jersey · 1.47 MI E of Rockaway Riv · Structure no. 1410159

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
284 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
47,094
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 46 over Passaic River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 46 over Passaic River in Morris County, New Jersey. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1996, 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 47,094 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,454 by 2043. The structure is 284 ft (86.6 m) long and 95 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 46
CrossesPassaic River
Location1.47 MI E of Rockaway Riv
RouteU.S. Route 46
CountyMorris County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.86212, -74.32141
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
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating65 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length284 ft (86.6 m)
Longest span69 ft (21 m)
Deck width95 ft (29 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic47,094 (2023)
Projected traffic57,454 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$18.7 million (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 46 over Passaic River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is US 46 over Passaic 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 Passaic River carry?

About 47,094 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 46 over Passaic River?

The structure is 284 ft (86.6 m) long with a longest span of 69 ft (21 m) and a deck 95 ft wide.

Who owns US 46 over Passaic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.