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{{Infobox bridge |
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The '''Central Railroad of New Jersey's Passaic River Bridge''' was a 2 track movable railroad bride that crossed the [[Passaic River]], |
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| bridge_name = PD Draw |
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between [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]] and [[Kearny, New Jersey|Kearny]], [[New Jersey]]. The bridge was of a swing design, where the center section moved on a pivot to allow for |
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river traffic to pass. |
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| image = File:PD Draw Bridge 20070712.jpg |
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| image_size = 300 |
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| alt = |
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| caption = |
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| official_name = |
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| carries = [[Central Railroad of New Jersey]]<br/>[[Newark and New York Railroad|Newark and New York]]<br/>Newark and Elizabeth Branch (1912–1967) |
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| crosses = [[Passaic River]] |
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| locale = [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]] and [[Kearny, New Jersey|Kearny]]<br/>[[Northeastern New Jersey]], USA |
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| owner = [[Conrail]] |
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| maint = |
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| architect = |
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| designer = |
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| engineering = |
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| design = [[Swing bridge]] |
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| material = |
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| length = |
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| width = |
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| height = |
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| mainspan = {{convert|212|ft|m}} (removed) |
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| spans = |
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| pierswater = |
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| load = |
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| clearance = |
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| below = |
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| life = |
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| builder = |
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| cost = |
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| open = 1912<ref name = spanmoved/> |
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| preceded = |
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| closed = 1976 |
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| coordinates = {{coord|40.72295|-74.12126|format=dms|type:landmark|display=title,inline}} |
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|references = |
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}} |
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The '''PD Draw''' is a partially dismantled [[railroad bridge]] on the [[Passaic River]] between [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]] and [[Kearny, New Jersey|Kearny]] in the US state of [[New Jersey]]. It was built as part of [[Central Railroad of New Jersey]] branch known as the [[Newark and New York Railroad]]. The [[swing bridge]] is the first crossing upstream from [[Newark Bay]] at mile point 1.2.<ref name =USACE>{{cite web| title=Lower Passaic River Restoration Project Commercial Navigation Analysis| publisher=United States Army Corps of Engineers| date=July 2, 2010|version=(2nd Revision)| url=http://passaic.sharepointspace.com/Public%20Documents/2010-07-29%20USACE%20Lower%20Passaic%20River%20Commercial%20Navigation%20Analysis.pdf| format=PDF| accessdate=August 5, 2012| quote=The abutments of a formerly utilized railroad freight bridge (Central Railroad of NJ) lie at approximately RM 1.2. These abutments limit channel width to 145 feet. However, NJDOT is currently investigating the feasibility of a new Lower Passaic River Bridge within the existing alignment of the former railroad freight bridge. If construction of the new bridge was to move forward, the derelict structure at RM 1.2 would be removed and would be replaced with a structure designed with adequate horizontal and vertical clearance for typical vessel traffic on the Lower Passaic River}}</ref> |
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== History == |
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Going in a northward direction from where the Passaic River splits off from [[Newark Bay]] this bridge is the first along the river being located along mile point 1.2. This bridge was part of what was first the [[Newark and New York Railroad]], and later became part of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and was referred to as the Newark and New York branch. The New York and Newark branch formed a direct route between the railroads Jersey City terminal, and its Broad Street station in downtown Newark. |
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At the north end of the bay at [[Kearny Point]], the mouths of both the Passaic and the [[Hackensack River]] meet at the tip of a peninsula once known as [[New Barbadoes Neck]]. In order to build the line, the CNJ built bridges across the rivers, with service beginning in 1869.<ref name = opening>{{Cite news| title=Opening of the Newark and New-York Railroad| newspaper=New York Times| date=July 24, 1869| url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1869/07/24/79353581.pdf| accessdate=February 21, 2011}}</ref> The original bridge was replaced in 1888. In 1912, the {{convert|212|ft|m|adj=on}} swing span was relocated {{convert|185|ft|m}} upstream to create another bridge on a new alignment.<ref name = spanmoved>{{citation| title=An Unusual Bridge-Moving Operation| newspaper=Popular Mechanics Magazine| page=26| date=July 1912| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_90DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA5| accessdate=August 8, 2012| via=Google Books}}</ref> The entire line across the rivers and Kearny Point was raised about {{convert|30|ft|m}} to avoid conflicts with maritime traffic in the newly developing [[Port Newark]].<ref name = newarkmeadows>{{Cite news| title=Dredge Hackensack River Improving Newark Meadows Section for Development| newspaper=New York Times| date=February 9, 1913| url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/02/09/100253627.pdf| accessdate=February 16, 2011}}</ref> |
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In February 1946, a freighter damaged the [[HD Draw]] over the Hackensack,<ref>{{citation| title=Steamer Wrecks Bridge in Jersey 6000-Ton Coal Ship Shears Off Two Spans of Central Railroad Structure| newspaper=New York Times| date=February 4, 1946| url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F60B16FD3E5D107A93C6A91789D85F428485F9}}</ref> and when it was decided not to repair that bridge the railroad discontinued through service from its [[Communipaw Terminal]] in [[Jersey City, New Jersey|Jersey City]].<ref>{{citation| last=Schmidt| first=W.H.| title=Costliest Railroad Now Half Abandoned| newspaper=Trains Magazine| date=May 1946}}</ref> To minimize maintenance costs, the bridge over the Passaic was reduced from two tracks to one in 1955.<ref>{{cite web| last=Baer| first=Chris| title=Newark and New York Branch| date=May 5, 2003| url=http://forums.railfan.net/forums.cgi?board=CNJ&action=display&num=1053038155&start=5| accessdate=August 13, 2012}}</ref> |
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In February 1946, a freighter damaged the railroads bridge over the [[Hackensack River]], and when it was decided not to repair that bridge the railroad branch ceased as a through route. From that point until April 29, 1967 the Pasasic River bridge was used for local passenger service between Broad Street Station and Kearny, and local freight train service. Kearny station was an important stop for the railroad for it was within walking distance of the Western Electric plant and other key industries. |
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The railroad also ran through train service from point on its mainline to the Kearny station, the last such service was a weekday rush hour train between Plainfield and Kearny, that ran until April 29, 1967. To minimize maintenance costs the bridge was reduced from 2 tracks to 1 during the 1950s. |
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After the Aldene Plan took effect the bridge was used for a few years for local freight |
The Kearny station was an important stop for the railroad as it was within walking distance of the [[Western Electric]] plant and other key industries, such as the [[Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company]]. Until the [[Aldene Plan]] was implemented in May 1967, the PD Draw was used for local passenger service between Kearny and CNJ's Broad Street Station and for local freight train service. The railroad also ran through-train service from point on its mainline and Newark Branch to the Kearny station; the last such service was a weekday rush-hour train between Kearny and [[Plainfield (NJT station)|Plainfield]] on April 29, 1967. After the Aldene Plan took effect, the bridge was used for a few years for local freight operations, but was taken out of service with the creation of [[Conrail]] on April 1, 1976. |
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In October 1970, in what was determined to be an act of sabotage, a 22-car freight train that included five engines was secretly assembled at the nearby [[railyard]] and intentionally let plunge from the bridge left in the open position, a standard procedure during overnight hours.<ref>{{citation| title=22-Car Freight Train Plunges Into the Passaic River| newspaper=New York Times| date=October 6, 1970| url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0E17FF3A5B107B93C5A9178BD95F448785F9| accessdate=September 15, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Citation| last=Olsen| first=Kevin K.| title=A Great Convneincy A Maritime History of the Passaic River, Hackensack River and Newark Bay| publisher=American History Imprints| isbn = 978-0-9753667-7-6}}</ref> |
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At some point in the late 1980s, the center span of the bridge was floated downriver and replaced the center swing span of New Jersey Transit's Raritan Bay bridge. The approach tracks and trestles were left in place. |
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The center span of the bridge has been removed. The [[abutment]]s and [[caisson (engineering)|piers]] remain in place.<ref name =USACE/> The [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]] is considering building a new bridge along the alignment.<ref name =USACE/><ref>{{cite web| title=Port Newark/Elizabeth Northern NJ Rail Terminals| work=Port Connector Projects New Jersey-New York| publisher=Waterfront Coalition| url=http://www.portmod.org/POLICY/Infrastructure%20Projects.htm| accessdate=August 9, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214090410/http://www.portmod.org/POLICY/Infrastructure%20Projects.htm| archive-date=February 14, 2010| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite report| title=Portway Extensions Concept Development Study| publisher=NJDOT| date=September 26, 2003| url=http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/freight/portway/FR_Section_2.pdf| quote=New crossing of the Passaic River using abandoned railroad alignment and infrastructure, supplementing the existing Route 1&9 Truck crossing. The new crossing is intended to connect Doremus Avenue and Central Avenue.}}</ref> Studies are being conducted as part of an extensive project conceived to facilitate freight [[transshipment]] through the [[Port of New York and New Jersey]] known as Portway. A new bridge could include a rail component. The new structure would allow for a dual bridge crossing in combination with the [[Lincoln Highway Passaic River Bridge]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Portway-Passaic River Crossing| work=FY 2010-2011 Studies and Development| publisher=NJDOT| url=http://www.nj.gov/transportation/capital/stip1019/pdf/sdprogram.pdf| format=PDF| accessdate=August 8, 2012| quote=This project will study Doremus Avenue, Passaic River Crossing and Central Avenue over Route 1&9T as one project because of their connectivity. The areas of the project service industrial and commercial facilities in a section of Newark and the southern section of Kearny. The purpose of the proposed improvement is to create a connection with NJ Turnpike at Interchange 15E and Route 1&9T, and/or another variation of the two. The improved section will serve to improve access to/from trucking distribution facilities along Doremus Avenue and the NJ Turnpike and will help reduce truck traffic on Route 1&9T. It will range from replacing the existing Route 1&9T bridge to providing dual bridge structures. The reconfiguration of Central Avenue/Route 1&9T interchange may provide four 12-foot travel lanes and two 12-foot shoulders to improve flow and safety. The proposed geometry will primarily follow the existing alignment except at the interchange. Sidewalks could be provided within the proposed berm. A rail crossing on the same facility will also be investigated as part of this project.}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
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*[[Hackensack Drawbridge]] |
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*[[Timeline of Jersey City area railroads]] |
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*[[List of crossings of the Lower Passaic River]] |
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*[[List of bridges, tunnels, and cuts in Hudson County, New Jersey]] |
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*[[List of crossings of the Hackensack River]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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*"Lower Passaic River Restoration Project Commerical Navigation Analysis" (PDF). |
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*{{Citation| last=Brennan| first=William J.| title=Jersey Central Lines in Colo| publisher=Morning Sun Books| year=1993| volume=2| isbn=978-1-878887-19-1}} |
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*''Trains Magazine'', May 1946, Costliest Railroad, Half Abandonded. |
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* Jersey Central Lines in Color, Volume 3. |
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==External links== |
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*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/jag9889/5469967808/in/set-72157601661576045 Flickr: Image Abandoned CNJ Passaic River Swing Bridge] |
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*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/jag9889/5469967216/in/set-72157601661576045/ Flickr: Image Abandoned CNJ Passaic River Swing Bridge] |
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{{Crossings navbox |
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|structure = [[List of crossings of the Lower Passaic River|Crossings]] |
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|place = [[Passaic River]] |
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|bridge = PD Draw |
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|bridge signs = |
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|upstream = [[Lincoln Highway Passaic River Bridge]] |
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|upstream signs = [[Image:US 1-9 Truck.svg|25px]] |
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|downstream = [[Upper Bay Bridge]] ([[Newark Bay]]) |
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|downstream signs = |
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}} |
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[[Category:Railroad bridges in New Jersey]] |
[[Category:Railroad bridges in New Jersey]] |
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[[Category:Passaic River]] |
[[Category:Bridges over the Passaic River]] |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in Newark, New Jersey]] |
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Newark, New Jersey]] |
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[[Category:Kearny, New Jersey]] |
[[Category:Kearny, New Jersey]] |
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[[Category:Bridges in Newark, New Jersey]] |
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[[Category:Transportation in Newark, New Jersey]] |
[[Category:Transportation in Newark, New Jersey]] |
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[[Category:Transportation in Hudson County, New Jersey]] |
[[Category:Transportation in Hudson County, New Jersey]] |
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[[Category:Bridges in Hudson County, New Jersey]] |
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[[Category:Central Railroad of New Jersey]] |
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[[Category:Conrail]] |
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[[Category:Swing bridges in the United States]] |
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[[Category:1912 establishments in New Jersey]] |
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Latest revision as of 13:29, 9 September 2022
PD Draw | |
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| Coordinates | 40°43′23″N 74°07′17″W / 40.72295°N 74.12126°W |
| Carries | Central Railroad of New Jersey Newark and New York Newark and Elizabeth Branch (1912–1967) |
| Crosses | Passaic River |
| Locale | Newark and Kearny Northeastern New Jersey, USA |
| Owner | Conrail |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Swing bridge |
| Longest span | 212 feet (65 m) (removed) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1912[1] |
| Closed | 1976 |
| Standort | |
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The PD Draw is a partially dismantled railroad bridge on the Passaic River between Newark and Kearny in the US state of New Jersey. It was built as part of Central Railroad of New Jersey branch known as the Newark and New York Railroad. The swing bridge is the first crossing upstream from Newark Bay at mile point 1.2.[2]
History
[edit]At the north end of the bay at Kearny Point, the mouths of both the Passaic and the Hackensack River meet at the tip of a peninsula once known as New Barbadoes Neck. In order to build the line, the CNJ built bridges across the rivers, with service beginning in 1869.[3] The original bridge was replaced in 1888. In 1912, the 212-foot (65 m) swing span was relocated 185 feet (56 m) upstream to create another bridge on a new alignment.[1] The entire line across the rivers and Kearny Point was raised about 30 feet (9.1 m) to avoid conflicts with maritime traffic in the newly developing Port Newark.[4]
In February 1946, a freighter damaged the HD Draw over the Hackensack,[5] and when it was decided not to repair that bridge the railroad discontinued through service from its Communipaw Terminal in Jersey City.[6] To minimize maintenance costs, the bridge over the Passaic was reduced from two tracks to one in 1955.[7]
The Kearny station was an important stop for the railroad as it was within walking distance of the Western Electric plant and other key industries, such as the Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. Until the Aldene Plan was implemented in May 1967, the PD Draw was used for local passenger service between Kearny and CNJ's Broad Street Station and for local freight train service. The railroad also ran through-train service from point on its mainline and Newark Branch to the Kearny station; the last such service was a weekday rush-hour train between Kearny and Plainfield on April 29, 1967. After the Aldene Plan took effect, the bridge was used for a few years for local freight operations, but was taken out of service with the creation of Conrail on April 1, 1976.
In October 1970, in what was determined to be an act of sabotage, a 22-car freight train that included five engines was secretly assembled at the nearby railyard and intentionally let plunge from the bridge left in the open position, a standard procedure during overnight hours.[8][9]
The center span of the bridge has been removed. The abutments and piers remain in place.[2] The New Jersey Department of Transportation is considering building a new bridge along the alignment.[2][10][11] Studies are being conducted as part of an extensive project conceived to facilitate freight transshipment through the Port of New York and New Jersey known as Portway. A new bridge could include a rail component. The new structure would allow for a dual bridge crossing in combination with the Lincoln Highway Passaic River Bridge.[12]
See also
[edit]- Hackensack Drawbridge
- Timeline of Jersey City area railroads
- List of crossings of the Lower Passaic River
- List of bridges, tunnels, and cuts in Hudson County, New Jersey
- List of crossings of the Hackensack River
References
[edit]- ^ a b "An Unusual Bridge-Moving Operation", Popular Mechanics Magazine, p. 26, July 1912, retrieved August 8, 2012 – via Google Books
- ^ a b c "Lower Passaic River Restoration Project Commercial Navigation Analysis" (PDF). (2nd Revision). United States Army Corps of Engineers. July 2, 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
The abutments of a formerly utilized railroad freight bridge (Central Railroad of NJ) lie at approximately RM 1.2. These abutments limit channel width to 145 feet. However, NJDOT is currently investigating the feasibility of a new Lower Passaic River Bridge within the existing alignment of the former railroad freight bridge. If construction of the new bridge was to move forward, the derelict structure at RM 1.2 would be removed and would be replaced with a structure designed with adequate horizontal and vertical clearance for typical vessel traffic on the Lower Passaic River
- ^ "Opening of the Newark and New-York Railroad" (PDF). New York Times. July 24, 1869. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
- ^ "Dredge Hackensack River Improving Newark Meadows Section for Development" (PDF). New York Times. February 9, 1913. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
- ^ "Steamer Wrecks Bridge in Jersey 6000-Ton Coal Ship Shears Off Two Spans of Central Railroad Structure", New York Times, February 4, 1946
- ^ Schmidt, W.H. (May 1946), "Costliest Railroad Now Half Abandoned", Trains Magazine
- ^ Baer, Chris (May 5, 2003). "Newark and New York Branch". Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ^ "22-Car Freight Train Plunges Into the Passaic River", New York Times, October 6, 1970, retrieved September 15, 2012
- ^ Olsen, Kevin K., A Great Convneincy A Maritime History of the Passaic River, Hackensack River and Newark Bay, American History Imprints, ISBN 978-0-9753667-7-6
- ^ "Port Newark/Elizabeth Northern NJ Rail Terminals". Port Connector Projects New Jersey-New York. Waterfront Coalition. Archived from the original on February 14, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
- ^ Portway Extensions Concept Development Study (PDF) (Report). NJDOT. September 26, 2003.
New crossing of the Passaic River using abandoned railroad alignment and infrastructure, supplementing the existing Route 1&9 Truck crossing. The new crossing is intended to connect Doremus Avenue and Central Avenue.
- ^ "Portway-Passaic River Crossing" (PDF). FY 2010-2011 Studies and Development. NJDOT. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
This project will study Doremus Avenue, Passaic River Crossing and Central Avenue over Route 1&9T as one project because of their connectivity. The areas of the project service industrial and commercial facilities in a section of Newark and the southern section of Kearny. The purpose of the proposed improvement is to create a connection with NJ Turnpike at Interchange 15E and Route 1&9T, and/or another variation of the two. The improved section will serve to improve access to/from trucking distribution facilities along Doremus Avenue and the NJ Turnpike and will help reduce truck traffic on Route 1&9T. It will range from replacing the existing Route 1&9T bridge to providing dual bridge structures. The reconfiguration of Central Avenue/Route 1&9T interchange may provide four 12-foot travel lanes and two 12-foot shoulders to improve flow and safety. The proposed geometry will primarily follow the existing alignment except at the interchange. Sidewalks could be provided within the proposed berm. A rail crossing on the same facility will also be investigated as part of this project.
- Brennan, William J. (1993), Jersey Central Lines in Colo, vol. 2, Morning Sun Books, ISBN 978-1-878887-19-1
External links
[edit]- Flickr: Image Abandoned CNJ Passaic River Swing Bridge
- Flickr: Image Abandoned CNJ Passaic River Swing Bridge
Crossings of the Passaic River | ||||
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Kategorien:
- Railroad bridges in New Jersey
- Bridges over the Passaic River
- Buildings and structures in Newark, New Jersey
- Kearny, New Jersey
- Bridges in Newark, New Jersey
- Transportation in Newark, New Jersey
- Transportation in Hudson County, New Jersey
- Bridges in Hudson County, New Jersey
- Central Railroad of New Jersey
- Conrail
- Swing bridges in the United States
- 1912 establishments in New Jersey