US Bridges

Watchung Avenue over Green Brook

Fair

Union County, New Jersey · 0.08 MI W of E Front ST · Structure no. 2012036

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1930
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
78 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,167
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watchung Avenue over Green Brook is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Watchung Avenue over Green Brook in Union County, New Jersey. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1930, so it is 125 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 5 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 4,167 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,085 by 2044. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 60 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWatchung Avenue
CrossesGreen Brook
Location0.08 MI W of E Front ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyUnion County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.6208, -74.42327
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal 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 spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width60 ft (18.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,167 (2024)
Projected traffic5,085 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Watchung Avenue over Green Brook built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1930.

What condition is Watchung Avenue over Green 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Watchung Avenue over Green Brook carry?

About 4,167 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Watchung Avenue over Green Brook?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 60 ft wide.

Who owns Watchung Avenue over Green Brook?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.