US Bridges

Route 159 EB over Passaic River

Fair

Morris County, New Jersey · 0.33 E of Rt US 46 JCT · Structure no. 1430152

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
226 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route 159 EB over Passaic River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route 159 EB over Passaic River in Morris County, New Jersey. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,360 by 2043. The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute 159 EB
CrossesPassaic River
Location0.33 E of Rt US 46 JCT
RouteState Highway 159
CountyMorris County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.85852, -74.31979
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating69 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length226 ft (68.9 m)
Longest span55 ft (16.8 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2023)
Projected traffic3,360 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route 159 EB over Passaic River built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Route 159 EB 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Route 159 EB over Passaic River carry?

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Route 159 EB over Passaic River?

The structure is 226 ft (68.9 m) long with a longest span of 55 ft (16.8 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Route 159 EB over Passaic River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.