US Bridges

Nj 72 over East Thorofare

Fair

Ocean County, New Jersey · 0.6 MI West of County 607 · Structure no. 1513154

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 2017
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
485 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
23,414
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Nj 72 over East Thorofare is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nj 72 over East Thorofare in Ocean County, New Jersey. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 2017, 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 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 23,414 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,097 by 2043. The structure is 485 ft (147.8 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNj 72
CrossesEast Thorofare
Location0.6 MI West of County 607
RouteState Highway 72
CountyOcean County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates39.65432, -74.18621
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length485 ft (147.8 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,414 (2023)
Projected traffic28,097 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Nj 72 over East Thorofare built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2017.

What condition is Nj 72 over East 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 Nj 72 over East Thorofare carry?

About 23,414 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Nj 72 over East Thorofare?

The structure is 485 ft (147.8 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns Nj 72 over East Thorofare?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.