US Bridges

Nj 53 over Den Brook

Fair

Morris County, New Jersey · 0.01 Mile South of Rt 46 · Structure no. 1411152

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1941
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
19,890
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nj 53 over Den Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nj 53 over Den Brook in Morris County, New Jersey. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1941, so it is 125 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 19,890 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,164 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 97 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNj 53
CrossesDen Brook
Location0.01 Mile South of Rt 46
RouteState Highway 53
CountyMorris County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.89039, -74.47776
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width97 ft (29.6 m)
Roadway width70 ft (21.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,890 (2023)
Projected traffic23,164 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$221,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Nj 53 over Den Brook built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1941.

What condition is Nj 53 over Den Brook 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Nj 53 over Den Brook carry?

About 19,890 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nj 53 over Den Brook?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 97 ft wide.

Who owns Nj 53 over Den Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.