US Bridges

I-78 over Garden State Parkway

Fair

Union County, New Jersey · 5.51 MI West of I-95 · Structure no. 2011160

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
260 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
236,895
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 over Garden State Parkway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 over Garden State Parkway 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 236,895 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 284,270 by 2043. The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long and 206 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesI-78
CrossesGarden State Parkway
Location5.51 MI West of I-95
RouteInterstate 78
CountyUnion County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.70513, -74.24636
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.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length260 ft (79.2 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width206 ft (62.8 m)
Roadway width203 ft (61.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic236,895 (2023)
Projected traffic284,270 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure12
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-78 over Garden State Parkway built?

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

What condition is I-78 over Garden State Parkway 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does I-78 over Garden State Parkway carry?

About 236,895 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-78 over Garden State Parkway?

The structure is 260 ft (79.2 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 206 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 over Garden State Parkway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.