US Bridges

I-78 over Lehigh Valley RR

Fair

Union County, New Jersey · 0.3 MI East of Gsp · Structure no. 2011164

Built
1976
49 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
165 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
188,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-78 over Lehigh Valley RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-78 over Lehigh Valley RR in Union County, New Jersey. It was built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2009, 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 188,000 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 225,600 by 2043. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long and 215 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-78
CrossesLehigh Valley RR
Location0.3 MI East of Gsp
RouteInterstate 78
CountyUnion County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.70533, -74.2414
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 rating66 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length165 ft (50.3 m)
Longest span97 ft (29.6 m)
Deck width215 ft (65.4 m)
Roadway width198 ft (60.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic188,000 (2023)
Projected traffic225,600 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure11
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Lehigh Valley RR built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is I-78 over Lehigh Valley RR 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 over Lehigh Valley RR carry?

About 188,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-78 over Lehigh Valley RR?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 97 ft (29.6 m) and a deck 215 ft wide.

Who owns I-78 over Lehigh Valley RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.