US Bridges

Nj 37 over Barnegat Bay

Fair

Ocean County, New Jersey · Barnegat Bay Crossing · Structure no. 1508151

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
87 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
24,847
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nj 37 over Barnegat Bay is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nj 37 over Barnegat Bay in Ocean County, New Jersey. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 24,847 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,817 by 2044. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 114 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNj 37
CrossesBarnegat Bay
LocationBarnegat Bay Crossing
RouteState Highway 37
CountyOcean County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates39.94158, -74.08402
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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating95 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width114 ft (34.7 m)
Roadway width96 ft (29.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,847 (2024)
Projected traffic29,817 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Nj 37 over Barnegat Bay built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Nj 37 over Barnegat Bay 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Nj 37 over Barnegat Bay carry?

About 24,847 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nj 37 over Barnegat Bay?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 114 ft wide.

Who owns Nj 37 over Barnegat Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.