US Bridges

Watchung Ave over U.S. 22

Fair

Somerset County, New Jersey · 8.93 MI South of I-287 · Structure no. 1803158

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
118 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
12,289
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watchung Ave over U.S. 22 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Watchung Ave over U.S. 22 in Somerset County, New Jersey. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 12,289 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,995 by 2043. The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesWatchung Ave
CrossesU.S. 22
Location8.93 MI South of I-287
RouteCounty Highway 531
CountySomerset County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.6275, -74.43653
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating87 US tons
Inventory rating52 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length118 ft (36 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.5 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,289 (2023)
Projected traffic14,995 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$193,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Watchung Ave over U.S. 22 built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watchung Ave over U.S. 22 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 2023.

How much traffic does Watchung Ave over U.S. 22 carry?

About 12,289 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Watchung Ave over U.S. 22?

The structure is 118 ft (36 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns Watchung Ave over U.S. 22?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.