US Bridges

County Route 637 over Merrills Creek

Fair

Warren County, New Jersey · 1.48 MI North of I78 · Structure no. 2100707

Built
1900
125 years old, rebuilt 1991
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,671
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Route 637 over Merrills Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Route 637 over Merrills Creek in Warren County, New Jersey. It was built in 1900 and reconstructed in 1991, 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 3,671 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,479 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Route 637
CrossesMerrills Creek
Location1.48 MI North of I78
RouteCounty Highway 637
CountyWarren County
StateNew Jersey
Coordinates40.69031, -75.10925
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
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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,671 (2023)
Projected traffic4,479 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 County Route 637 over Merrills Creek built?

It was built in 1900, making it 125 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.

What condition is County Route 637 over Merrills Creek 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 County Route 637 over Merrills Creek carry?

About 3,671 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is County Route 637 over Merrills Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns County Route 637 over Merrills Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.