US Bridges

Nj Turnpike over Salem Canal

Fair

Salem County, New Jersey · 0.4 MI N of Start of Tpk · Structure no. M000420

Built
1951
74 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
291 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
49,996
2024 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Nj Turnpike over Salem Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Nj Turnpike over Salem Canal in Salem County, New Jersey. It was built in 1951 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 74 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 49,996 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 61,005 by 2044. The structure is 291 ft (88.7 m) long and 124 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesNj Turnpike
CrossesSalem Canal
Location0.4 MI N of Start of Tpk
CountySalem County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates39.67887, -75.48554
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length291 ft (88.7 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width124 ft (37.8 m)
Roadway width108 ft (32.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic49,996 (2024)
Projected traffic61,005 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
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 Nj Turnpike over Salem Canal built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is Nj Turnpike over Salem Canal 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Nj Turnpike over Salem Canal carry?

About 49,996 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Nj Turnpike over Salem Canal?

The structure is 291 ft (88.7 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 124 ft wide.

Who owns Nj Turnpike over Salem Canal?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.