US Bridges

Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River

Fair

Somerset County, New Jersey · 0.87 MI North of CR 514 · Structure no. 18B0512

Built
1902
123 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Aluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
Length
84 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.

It carries about 1,083 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,300 by 2043. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 18 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
Location0.87 MI North of CR 514
CountySomerset County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.50463, -74.76347
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialAluminum, Wrought Iron, or Cast Iron
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,083 (2023)
Projected traffic1,300 by 2043
Trucks1%
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), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

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

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Woodfern Road over S. Branch Raritan River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.