US Bridges

Sheelens Crossing over Raritan Valley Line

Fair

Union County, New Jersey · 7.23 MI SW NJ22 & Gsp JCT · Structure no. 2063167

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
104 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,035
2023 count
Owner
Unknown
Unknown

About this bridge

Sheelens Crossing over Raritan Valley Line is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sheelens Crossing over Raritan Valley Line in Union County, New Jersey. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 8,035 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,830 by 2043. The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSheelens Crossing
CrossesRaritan Valley Line
Location7.23 MI SW NJ22 & Gsp JCT
RouteCity Street 0
CountyUnion County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.64001, -74.38633
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating64 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length104 ft (31.7 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,035 (2023)
Projected traffic10,830 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerUnknown
Maintained byOther State Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$6,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Sheelens Crossing over Raritan Valley Line built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sheelens Crossing over Raritan Valley Line 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does Sheelens Crossing over Raritan Valley Line carry?

About 8,035 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Sheelens Crossing over Raritan Valley Line?

The structure is 104 ft (31.7 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Sheelens Crossing over Raritan Valley Line?

It is owned by the Unknown and maintained by the Other State Agency.