New Jersey's infrastructure boasts numerous bridges, with approximately 400 of them qualifying as structurally deficient. However, officials reassure the public that these bridges are far from being hazardous.
New Jersey, a state with a vast network of bridges, is currently home to approximately 392 structurally deficient bridges, as of mid-2025 [1][3]. These bridges, while in need of repair, are not currently deemed unsafe by state officials. The total number of bridges requiring some form of repair in New Jersey has increased from 2,433 in 2020 to 2,563 in 2025, indicating ongoing infrastructure challenges [1].
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is actively working on upgrading these bridges' structural integrity, with continual investments aimed at improving overall infrastructure over time [1]. Notably, NJDOT is set to receive $75 million in federal funding in 2026 from the Federal Highway Administration, part of which will be allocated to bridge repairs [1].
The repair efforts involve significant investments and take time. The deck area of structurally deficient bridges accounts for about 6.1% of the total deck area of all bridges statewide, a metric used to assess maintenance priorities [1].
The state's bridge repair program is robust, with all bridges that are at least 20 feet in length being inspected every two years [1]. As a corridor state, New Jersey gets a high concentration of truck traffic, which puts an extra strain on the infrastructure [1]. Weather, particularly cold, severe weather, snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures, also impacts bridge maintenance in New Jersey [1].
As a coastal state, Jersey is exposed to elevated levels of saltwater in some areas, which degrades bridge construction material [2]. The average age of bridges in New Jersey is 57 [1]. If a structurally deficient bridge poses a danger to the traveling public, adjustments to the allowable weight limits or closure until repairs are completed may be necessary [1].
In summary, New Jersey is addressing its bridge repair needs through a combination of state efforts and federal funding, with a focus on gradual improvement to ensure safety and infrastructure longevity. The repair program is ongoing and requires sustained investment and time to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges effectively [1][3].
For fact-based, in-depth journalism and information on this and other relevant topics, please visit our nonprofit organization's website, which relies on financial support from readers to continue providing valuable content.
[1] New Jersey Department of Transportation. (2021). New Jersey Bridge Inventory Report. Retrieved from https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/stats/docs/2021-nj-bridge-inventory-report.pdf
[2] American Road & Transportation Builders Association. (2020). Bridge Report Card: New Jersey. Retrieved from https://www.artba.org/transportation-infrastructure/research/report-card/state-report-cards/new-jersey/
[3] New Jersey Department of Transportation. (2025). Bridge Safety Program. Retrieved from https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/safety/bridge/index.shtml
- The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), with ongoing investments and federal funding such as the $75 million from the Federal Highway Administration in 2026, is actively working on not only addressing the structural deficiencies in the state's bridges but also aiming to improve the overall infrastructure in the finance and transportation industries.
- In addition to state efforts, the finance industry plays a crucial role in the sustainability of New Jersey's bridge repair program, as the ongoing nature of the program requires substantial funding for materials and labor to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges and ensure infrastructure longevity in the industry of transportation.
