US Bridges

Opossum Road over Bedens Brook

FairPosted for load

Somerset County, New Jersey · 1 MI South of US 206 · Structure no. 18E0201

Built
1822
203 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Other
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,863
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Opossum Road over Bedens Brook is a other arch - deck carrying Opossum Road over Bedens Brook in Somerset County, New Jersey. It was built in 1822 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 203 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,863 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,236 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesOpossum Road
CrossesBedens Brook
Location1 MI South of US 206
RouteCity Street 0
CountySomerset County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.41578, -74.6639
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
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialOther
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,863 (2023)
Projected traffic2,236 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

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

Frequently asked questions

When was Opossum Road over Bedens Brook built?

It was built in 1822, making it 203 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Opossum Road over Bedens 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Opossum Road over Bedens Brook carry?

About 1,863 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Opossum Road over Bedens Brook?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Opossum Road over Bedens Brook?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.