Raritan Bay Drawbridge, Railway swing bridge in Perth Amboy, United States.
The Raritan Bay Drawbridge is a railway swing bridge connecting Perth Amboy and South Amboy across the Raritan River using a steel framework made up of multiple sections. The structure can raise itself to let boats pass, serving both rail traffic and river navigation.
The bridge was built in 1908 to replace an earlier structure from 1875 that no longer met growing needs. Over the decades it has withstood severe weather and damage events that required ongoing repairs and adjustments.
The bridge served as a vital trade link between communities and remains woven into how local residents view their region as a transportation hub. The sounds of trains and the rising span have long been part of daily life for people living nearby.
Access to the bridge is limited to designated viewing areas since it remains an active railway line with regular train traffic. It is essential to respect safety barriers and avoid the area when trains are passing through.
The bridge was struck by two tugboats in 2012, resulting in its temporary closure and subsequent realignment of parts. This incident revealed how vulnerable the structure remains to river traffic and its importance in the region's complex transportation network.
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