US Bridges

I-78 over Elizabeth River

Fair

Union County, New Jersey · 0.1 Mile West of Gsp · Structure no. 2011159

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
146 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
202,840
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 over Elizabeth River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 over Elizabeth River in Union County, New Jersey. It was built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 49 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 202,840 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 247,500 by 2044. The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long and 246 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesI-78
CrossesElizabeth River
Location0.1 Mile West of Gsp
RouteInterstate 78
CountyUnion County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.70577, -74.24748
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
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 rating65 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length146 ft (44.5 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width246 ft (75.1 m)
Roadway width226 ft (68.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic202,840 (2024)
Projected traffic247,500 by 2044
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure13
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 over Elizabeth River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is I-78 over Elizabeth 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does I-78 over Elizabeth River carry?

About 202,840 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-78 over Elizabeth River?

The structure is 146 ft (44.5 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 246 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 over Elizabeth River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.