Newark Drawbridge
Newark Drawbridge, 1900s
Then
The Newark Drawbridge was built by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad in 1903. It connects Newark with Harrison over the Passaic River. It is a center-bearing swing bridge, and New Jersey Transit’s Historic Bridge Survey (1991) notes that when it was constructed, the methods used were innovative enough that they received “national attention;” (Richman, 2005) the bridge is also unique in that it is a two-level swing bridge. It was designed to carry two tracks on the upper level and one track for freight below.
Newark Drawbridge, 2009
Now
The Newark Drawbridge still carries passenger trains on its upper two tracks; it is now operated by New Jersey Transit. The lower track is no longer used. The Stickel Bridge, a vertical lift that opened in 1949 and carries Route 280, is visible behind the drawbridge.