According to a report from NJ Advance Media, there are over 500 bridges in New Jersey that are in poor condition or worse. The report did identify that the state has identified necessary repairs on 2,305 bridges. Additionally, a 2018 report from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association identified New Jersey as the state with the highest proportion of structurally deficient bridges in the country.
Counties in New Jersey with damaged bridges are a growing concern among residents and commuters alike. In this article, we will explore 11 total counties in New Jersey that have the worst bridges in the state. First, we will address 6 specific bridges and the counties they are in, followed by a list of additional counties with some of the worst bridges.
6 Of The Worst Bridges in New Jersey And The 3 Counties They Are Located In
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With the state’s aging infrastructure, many of its bridges have been deemed unsafe for travel due to structural damage or other safety hazards. This has caused major traffic delays across the state, leading to frustration and additional costs associated with repairs or replacement of these structures.
According to a report from January 2022, New Jersey is set to receive $1.14 billion in federal funding specifically to address its highway bridge needs, with over 480 bridges identified as being in poor condition. The report does not provide a specific breakdown of which bridges are in which counties, but it is clear that the state as a whole has a significant infrastructure challenge when it comes to bridges.
Here are some of the bridges that have been identified as being in poor condition in the state of New Jersey, including the counties they are located in. All of these major bridges are located within one or more of the following counties: Hudson County, Essex County, and Union County.
1. Pulaski Skyway (Hudson County, Essex County, and Union County)
The Pulaski Skyway, also known as U.S. Route 1/9, is an expressway in the northern part of the Garden State. It occupies three counties in northern New Jersey: Hudson, Essex, and Union. The bridge connects Newark and Jersey City across the Hackensack and Passaic rivers. It’s a major thoroughfare in the area, but it’s also one of the state’s most dilapidated bridges in need of fixing.
2. Clay Street Bridge (Hudson County and Essex County)
Another example is the Clay Street Bridge. The Clay Street Bridge is located in the state of New Jersey, between the cities of Newark and East Newark, and it crosses over the Passaic River. The bridge is situated in both Hudson County and Essex County. Specifically, it connects Raymond Boulevard (in Newark) with Harrison Avenue (in East Newark), making for a convenient commute for Newark-bound drivers.
The bridge has been identified as needing repairs, and as such, both counties are conducting studies on how to address its condition. It is the subject of a Local Concept Development Study undertaken jointly by the Borough of East Newark and the City of Newark in 2022.
3. The Lincoln Highway Hackensack River Bridge (Hudson County)
The Lincoln Highway Hackensack River Bridge in Hudson County, New Jersey, is a vertical lift bridge. It spans the Hackensack River about 1.8 miles upstream from its outlet in Newark Bay. This bridge is an integral element of the Lincoln Highway and a national historic site.
The Lincoln Highway Hackensack River Bridge may or may not be eligible for federal cash that will be used to repair and maintain bridges across the state, as reported in a January 2022 news article.
4. Route 495 Bridge in North Bergen (Hudson County)
The Route 495 Bridge in North Bergen, New Jersey, crosses over Route 1&9 and Paterson Plank Road and carries traffic from New Jersey to the Lincoln Tunnel. The bridge is located in Hudson County, New Jersey. It is part of an important transportation route between New Jersey and New York City but has been identified as needing repairs due to its poor condition.
5. Route 1 & 9 Tonnelle Avenue Bridge (Hudson County)
The Route 1 & 9 Tonnelle Avenue Bridge over Route 139 in Jersey City, New Jersey is located in Hudson County. It has been identified as being in poor condition and needs repairs.
6. Newark Bay Bridge – New Jersey Turnpike Extension (Hudson County)
the Newark Bay Bridge, which is part of the New Jersey Turnpike extension, needs repairs due to its poor condition. The replacement of the Newark Bay Bridge is part of a larger improvement project that aims to address the aging infrastructure and capacity challenges of this important transportation route in the region.
8 More Counties In New Jersey With Bridges In Need Of Repairs
Again, this is not an exhaustive list and there may be other bridges throughout the state that also require repairs. However, it is clear that there are significant infrastructure challenges when it comes to bridges in New Jersey.
Apart from the counties listed above, the most affected counties in New Jersey are those located near major cities and include the following:
1. Camden County, NJ
Bridge repair is often necessary here due to heavy use by vehicles carrying large loads that can cause wear and tear on their structures over time. A project to reconstruct the Somerdale Road Bridge in Gloucester Township began in early 2023 with a budget of $4.1 million. Other ongoing bridge repair and replacement projects include the Kaighns Avenue bridge and the NJ 90 bridge over Kaighns Mill Pond in Camden County.
2. Cumberland County, NJ
This county experiences frequent flooding from nearby rivers which heavily impacts its roadways. According to the search results, there are ongoing bridge repair and replacement projects in Cumberland County, New Jersey. The 2021 and 2022 awarded projects include the Maintenance Orphan Bridge Repair Contract 2020-2 and 2022-2, which involve repairing various bridges in the county.
In addition, the Transportation Plan for Cumberland County includes a goal to maintain and improve the current condition of the road and bridge network in the county. The plan also calls for increased coordination and funding with state and federal agencies to support bridge repair and replacement projects in the future.
3. Atlantic County, NJ
This county has seen an increase in truck traffic along its highways, leading to a lot of necessary repairs for its roadways and bridges. There have been ongoing bridge repair and replacement projects in Atlantic County, New Jersey. In 2020, the county was awarded a project for the Maintenance Route 37 Tunney Bridge Pile Repairs Contract.
Additionally, the Atlantic County Department of Public Works conducts regular inspections of its bridges to ensure they are safe for drivers and pedestrians. In cases where repairs are needed, the department coordinates with state and federal agencies to secure funding for the necessary repairs or replacement.
4. Burlington County, NJ
Roads and bridges in Burlington are frequently used by commuters traveling between Philadelphia and New York City. There have been ongoing bridge repair and replacement projects in Burlington County, New Jersey. The county’s Transportation Capital Program includes funding for various bridge projects, including repairs and maintenance. In addition, the Burlington County Engineer’s Office regularly inspects its bridges to ensure they are safe for drivers and pedestrians.
In March 2023, the Main Street Bridge over the north branch of Pennsauken Creek was temporarily closed for structural repairs. The Burlington County Bridge Commission also oversees the operation and maintenance of several toll bridges in the county, including the Burlington-Bristol Bridge and the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge.
5. Hunterdon County, NJ
This county suffers from harsh winter weather conditions that can weaken roadways. There have been ongoing bridge repair and replacement projects in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The county engineering department is responsible for maintaining and repairing the county’s bridges and conducts regular inspections to ensure their safety. Projects for repairing, replacing, and reinforcing the bridges are included in the county’s transportation capital program.
In addition, the engineering department has posted on its website about several bridge repair projects, including Bridge F-82 scour repairs and the replacement of County Bridge E-243 located on Van Lieus Road. The county has also received federal funds to rebuild a county bridge on Rainbow Hill Road in East Amwell Township.
6. Mercer County, NJ
This county has numerous older bridges still in service despite needing maintenance work done regularly. There have been ongoing bridge repair and replacement projects in Mercer County, New Jersey, which is home to the City of Trenton and other municipalities. The Mercer County Department of Transportation is responsible for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the county’s bridges and works to secure state and federal funds for repair and replacement projects.
In addition, the county engineering department conducts regular inspections of its bridges to ensure they are safe for drivers and pedestrians. Some recent examples of bridge repair projects in Mercer County include the closure of Pennington-Hopewell Road for repairs, the replacement of Bridge No. 230.3 over Stony Brook in Hopewell Township, and the emergency closure of the Washington Road Bridge in Princeton.
7. Monmouth County, NJ
The waterways here pose a hazard for drivers when crossing bridges during storms or high tides. There have been ongoing bridge repair and replacement projects in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The Monmouth County engineering department is responsible for the maintenance of the county’s bridges, and regularly inspects them to ensure they are safe for drivers and pedestrians.
Some examples of recent bridge repair and replacement projects in Monmouth County include the Navesink River Bridge rehabilitation project in Middletown, the replacement of the bridge on County Road 537 over the Manalapan Brook in Freehold Township, and the rehabilitation of the Oceanic Bridge connecting Rumson and Middletown.
8. Ocean County, NJ
This county also experiences frequent flooding issues affecting its roadways. There have been ongoing bridge repair and rehabilitation projects in Ocean County, New Jersey. The New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Ocean County Department of Transportation are responsible for the maintenance and updating of the county’s bridges. The bridge improvement projects in Ocean County often focus on older, structurally deficient bridges as well as those that experience high traffic volume.
Some examples of recent bridge repairs in Ocean County include the replacement of the Route 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridge, the rehabilitation of the Tunney Bridge on Route 37, and the rehabilitation of the Route 166/Silver Bay Bridges in Toms River.
In Conclusion
Fortunately, efforts have been made recently towards improving the condition of these counties’ infrastructures through dedicated funding sources such as NJDOT’s Bridge Repair Program. This program provides grants up to $2 million dollars per project so local governments can make much-needed upgrades without burdening taxpayers directly.
Additionally, public education campaigns aimed at informing citizens about how they can help prevent future incidents (such as driving slower over aged structures) may prove beneficial if put into practice throughout all regions within New Jersey. Despite this, it will take ongoing dedication from both private entities and government officials alike before we see any meaningful change come out of this issue anytime soon.
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