Ever wondered about the turquoise giant silently guarding the Hackensack River? That’s the Upper Hack Lift. Right before you stands a marvel of engineering. This single-track lift bridge isn’t just a passageway. It’s a historical landmark.
The Upper Hack Lift. Built in 1958 by the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad it opened in March 1959. It replaced an older swing span from 1901. The old span succumbed to the river’s relentless currents. The new lift bridge cost a hefty $5.5 million. That was quite a sum back then financed by a five-year bank loan.
The Upper Hack Lift wasn’t always turquoise. It was repainted in 1994. This single-track lift bridge holds a unique distinction. It’s the only one of its kind in New Jersey excluding the Arthur Kill Vertical Lift Bridge. Can you believe that? Its strategic location makes it visible to drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike’s western spur. Look closely between Interchanges 15W and 16W and you might just spot it.
After its completion the Upper Hack Lift saw significant action. In 1963 a route realignment rerouted the Erie Main Line through it. Since then the Erie Lackawanna NJDOT and later NJ Transit Main Line commuter services have all utilized the bridge.
Interesting detail. Remnants of the older swing span are still visible. Look just north of the current bridge. Concrete abutments and piers remain as silent witnesses to the past.
The Upper Hack Lift operates on a fascinating schedule. Unless the bridge tender is busy with the nearby HX Draw upstream the bridge opens on signal. This is according to the U S Coast Guard regulations. A silent sentinel standing watch over the river its mechanism a blend of precision and power.
The Upper Hack Lift is more than just a bridge. It’s a testament to engineering ingenuity. It’s a link to the past a vital artery of transportation and a unique feature of the New Jersey landscape. Don’t just see it. Feel the history breathe beneath your feet.