US Bridges

Route Nj 72 over Hilliard Thorofare

Fair

Ocean County, New Jersey · 3.3 MI East of US 9 · Structure no. 1513151

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
467 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
22,588
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Route Nj 72 over Hilliard Thorofare is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Route Nj 72 over Hilliard Thorofare in Ocean County, New Jersey. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 66 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 22,588 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,563 by 2043. The structure is 467 ft (142.3 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRoute Nj 72
CrossesHilliard Thorofare
Location3.3 MI East of US 9
RouteState Highway 72
CountyOcean County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates39.66333, -74.20667
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length467 ft (142.3 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,588 (2023)
Projected traffic27,563 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Route Nj 72 over Hilliard Thorofare built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is Route Nj 72 over Hilliard Thorofare 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Route Nj 72 over Hilliard Thorofare carry?

About 22,588 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Route Nj 72 over Hilliard Thorofare?

The structure is 467 ft (142.3 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns Route Nj 72 over Hilliard Thorofare?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.