US Bridges

US 206 over Branch of Royces Brook

Fair

Somerset County, New Jersey · 4.12 MI South of US 202 · Structure no. 1810165

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
27,845
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 206 over Branch of Royces Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 206 over Branch of Royces Brook in Somerset County, New Jersey. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 27,845 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,972 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 206
CrossesBranch of Royces Brook
Location4.12 MI South of US 202
RouteU.S. Route 206
CountySomerset County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.52712, -74.62677
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,845 (2023)
Projected traffic33,972 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$484,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 206 over Branch of Royces Brook built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 206 over Branch of Royces 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US 206 over Branch of Royces Brook carry?

About 27,845 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 206 over Branch of Royces Brook?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 206 over Branch of Royces Brook?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.