Lehigh Valley Railroad Bridge

The Lehigh Valley Railroad Bridge is a steel vertical-lift bridge that spans Newark Bay and connects two large freight rail yards on opposite sides. Its mechanical lifting system allows the span to rise when ships need to pass beneath, while the structure itself sits on massive stone and concrete supports.

This bridge was built between 1928 and 1930 to replace an earlier wooden structure that was destroyed in 1913. The original wooden bridge was rebuilt in just twelve days after that fire, reflecting how critical this crossing was for commerce.

The bridge connects two significant rail freight yards and serves as a visible symbol of how railroads remain important for moving goods across this region. Passing trains are part of the daily rhythm for workers and residents in nearby areas.

The bridge itself is not open to public walking, as this is an active private rail facility with restricted access. Views are best from nearby shoreline areas or by boat from the bay, where you can see the structure and watch trains cross.

The lift mechanism rarely operates today because few modern ships are tall enough to require the bridge to raise. Yet this mechanical system remains intact and functional, a holdover from an earlier era of busy harbor traffic.