A marvel of engineering stands before you. The Harsimus Branch Lift Bridge. Its towering structure speaks of a bygone era. An era of steam trains and bustling industry.
The Harsimus Branch Lift Bridge isn’t just a bridge. It’s a testament to human ingenuity. It was built in 1930. Replacing an older swing-span bridge. That older bridge was a navigational nightmare. Opening and closing slowed both river traffic and trains. The constant openings also delayed passenger trains. A collision in 1922 with a vessel called the Glendaruel further highlighted the problem. Insurance companies refused to cover damages to large vessels. This underscored the need for a safer more efficient crossing.
The Pennsylvania Railroad needed a solution. The solution was a vertical lift bridge. Designed by Waddell & Hardesty. Construction began in 1928. The new bridge solved the problem of slow opening times. It also allowed for significantly higher clearance. This greatly improved navigation on the Hackensack River. The cost was $4.5 million. A significant sum at the time. The project was headed by three key PRR personnel. A C Watson T W Pinard and J J Vail. The bridge opened to traffic on November 2 1930. It was a major improvement.
The bridge is a Parker through truss lift span. It’s 206 feet long. It provides a navigational channel of 158 feet. Two Pratt truss tower spans flank this main lift span. The approaches to the bridge are made of steel girders and concrete. The entire bridge is 1188 feet long. It’s a vital part of the Norfolk Southern Railway freight line. It remains active today. A daily reminder of the ingenuity and progress of the past.
The Harsimus Branch Lift Bridge stands as a symbol of adaptation. A symbol of progress. Its story is a reminder that even seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome. With innovative thinking and careful planning. The bridge’s continued use demonstrates its enduring value and its continued importance to the region’s transportation network. And as you stand here today its imposing presence continues to shape the landscape. A legacy of steel and resilience against the backdrop of the Hackensack River.