William A. Stickel Memorial Bridge

The William A. Stickel Memorial Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge that crosses the Passaic River and connects Newark with East Newark. The structure has six lanes and is part of Interstate 280, with the movable span featuring a metal Warren truss design.

The bridge was built between 1948 and 1949 to handle growing traffic between the two communities. A major renovation in 1973 and further updates to its mechanical systems in 2008 helped keep the structure operating effectively.

The bridge is named after William A. Stickel, a civil engineer who spent much of his career working on infrastructure projects in Essex County. It serves as a daily crossing for thousands of commuters between the two neighboring communities.

Pedestrians and cyclists should be aware that the structure is primarily designed for vehicle traffic and may have limited options for other users. Conditions are generally best outside peak traffic hours when flow is steadier.

The distinctive eight-panel Warren truss design with riveted connections on the movable span is a construction method rarely seen in modern bridges. This feature makes it an example of classic mid-20th century bridge engineering that many visitors overlook.

Location: New Jersey

GPS coordinates: 40.74800,-74.16600

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05