HX Draw, Railway and bascule bridge in Secaucus, US.
HX Draw is a railway and bascule bridge that carries two New Jersey Transit lines across the Hackensack River between Secaucus and East Rutherford. The structure uses a heel trunnion bascule system that allows ships to pass underneath while trains cross above.
Joseph Strauss designed and constructed this bascule bridge in 1911, creating an early example of this engineering type in the United States. The project was part of a broader expansion of rail networks serving the rapidly growing suburbs around New York.
The bridge serves as a daily link for thousands of commuters moving between New Jersey communities. Its role in connecting neighborhoods has made it an integral part of the region's transportation identity.
You can view the bridge from nearby pedestrian and cycling paths, particularly when train traffic is active and the structure is moving. The best time to visit is during rush hours in the morning and evening when trains regularly pass through.
The structure earned the nickname 'The Jack-Knife' because of its distinctive opening mechanism, which differs from standard bascule operations. The special heel trunnion design allows for a faster and smoother motion when opening for river traffic.
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