US Bridges

Whisper Way West over Drakes Brook

Fair

Morris County, New Jersey · 0.7 Miles S of Rt 10 · Structure no. 1436002

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
225
2023 count
Owner
Town / Township
Town or Township Highway Agency

About this bridge

Whisper Way West over Drakes Brook is a concrete culvert carrying Whisper Way West over Drakes Brook in Morris County, New Jersey. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 6 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 225 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 275 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWhisper Way West
CrossesDrakes Brook
Location0.7 Miles S of Rt 10
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMorris County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.86828, -74.66053
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic225 (2023)
Projected traffic275 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTown or Township Highway Agency
Maintained byTown or Township Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Whisper Way West over Drakes Brook built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Whisper Way West over Drakes 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Whisper Way West over Drakes Brook carry?

About 225 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Whisper Way West over Drakes Brook?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Whisper Way West over Drakes Brook?

It is owned by the Town or Township Highway Agency.