US Bridges

I-78 WB Outer&rp P over E Branch of Rahway River

Fair

Union County, New Jersey · At 78-RAHWAY R JCT · Structure no. 2010174

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
91 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50,690
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 WB Outer&rp P over E Branch of Rahway River is a concrete culvert carrying I-78 WB Outer&rp P over E Branch of Rahway River in Union County, New Jersey. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 58 years old, younger 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 50,690 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 60,830 by 2043. The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long and 83 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesI-78 WB Outer&rp P
CrossesE Branch of Rahway River
LocationAt 78-RAHWAY R JCT
RouteInterstate 78
Coordinates40.71469, -74.29972
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length91 ft (27.7 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width83 ft (25.2 m)
Roadway width78 ft (23.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,690 (2023)
Projected traffic60,830 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-78 WB Outer&rp P over E Branch of Rahway River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is I-78 WB Outer&rp P over E Branch of Rahway 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does I-78 WB Outer&rp P over E Branch of Rahway River carry?

About 50,690 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-78 WB Outer&rp P over E Branch of Rahway River?

The structure is 91 ft (27.7 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 83 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 WB Outer&rp P over E Branch of Rahway River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.