Newark and New York Railroad

The Newark and New York Railroad is a swing bridge spanning the Passaic River between Newark and Harrison, carrying rail traffic across the waterway. The structure features a movable section designed to allow both trains and maritime traffic to pass through.

The original bridge opened in 1855 to serve the Morris and Essex Railroad. The current bridge was built in the early 1900s as part of broader railroad modernization efforts in the region.

The bridge continues to serve as a working link for daily commuters traveling between Newark and the broader region, remaining embedded in local transportation patterns.

Ships must notify operators in advance if they need to pass through, as the bridge can rotate open to allow passage. The best viewing times are during daytime when rail traffic is active and the structure's movement is clearly visible.

During the early 1900s reconstruction, the entire bridge was moved approximately 35 feet upstream to align with new elevated rail approaches to the river. This unusual engineering feat demonstrates the effort required to adapt aging infrastructure to expanding transportation demands.

GPS coordinates: 40.73361,-74.17111

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:02