US Bridges

Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River

FairClosed to traffic

Somerset County, New Jersey · 0.89 MI North of CR 514 · Structure no. 18B0511

Built
1902
123 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
103 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,083
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River is a aluminum, wrought iron, or cast iron truss - thru carrying Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River in Somerset County, New Jersey. It was built in 1902 and reconstructed in 2006, so it is 123 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. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 1,083 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,300 by 2043. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesWoodfern Road
CrossesS. Branch Raritan River
Location0.89 MI North of CR 514
RouteCity Street 0
CountySomerset County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.50488, -74.76363
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span99 ft (30.2 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,083 (2023)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River built?

It was built in 1902, making it 123 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River carry?

About 1,083 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 99 ft (30.2 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.