US Bridges

US 206 over Back Brook

Fair

Somerset County, New Jersey · 10.19 MI N of Rt 518 JCT · Structure no. 1810153

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,780
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 206 over Back Brook is a concrete slab carrying US 206 over Back Brook in Somerset County, New Jersey. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 16,780 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,980 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 206
CrossesBack Brook
Location10.19 MI N of Rt 518 JCT
RouteU.S. Route 206
CountySomerset County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.43261, -74.6595
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.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,780 (2023)
Projected traffic19,980 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$336,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 206 over Back Brook built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 206 over Back Brook 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does US 206 over Back Brook carry?

About 16,780 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 206 over Back Brook?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 206 over Back Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.