“Annie’s Bridge” is what locals often call it but we are standing before the NX Bridge. This out-of-service railroad bridge spans the Passaic River. It sits between Newark and Kearny New Jersey. The NX Bridge is the 13th bridge from the river’s mouth at Newark Bay. It is about 6.5 miles upstream.
This isn’t just any abandoned bridge. The NX Bridge is a bascule bridge. Some people call it a jackknife bridge. The Erie Railroad built it. It once carried trains on its Newark Branch. Now the NX Bridge stands in the raised position. It has been like this since 1977.
The Passaic River’s lower 17 miles see the rise and fall of tides. This part of the river is navigable. The NX Bridge is the third bridge at this location. The first one was built in 1871.
Originally the NX Bridge had two tracks. After commuter train service stopped, it was changed to a single track. Freight trains still used it. Conrail took over in 1976. But in November 1977 Conrail stopped using the bridge. It has been stuck open ever since.
Today the NX Bridge falls within the North Jersey Shared Assets Area. Norfolk Southern Railway owns it. Conrail kept serving both sides of the branch with local freight trains until 2002. The eastern side closed. The last shipper on that side SparTech Poly-Com closed. A three-track trestle bridge near the NX Bridge was removed to make more space for the road. The Newark Industrial Track on the west bank still carries freight. It serves industries in Newark.
The NX Bridge gained fame in 1982. It appeared in the movie *Annie*. The bridge was painted black. The rails were painted silver. After the movie, people started calling it “Annie Bridge”. Since its film debut, the NX Bridge has received no maintenance.
The NX Bridge stands as a testament to a bygone era. It reminds us of the bustling industry that once thrived here. The abandoned NX Bridge is a landmark. Its story is etched in the steel and rust. It is a silent witness to the passage of time.