Arthur Kill Bridge, Railway bridge in Elizabeth, United States.
The Arthur Kill Bridge is a railway bridge connecting Elizabethport, New Jersey, to Staten Island, New York, spanning across the Arthur Kill waterway. Two towers reaching 215 feet (66 meters) support a truss span of 558 feet (170 meters), allowing maritime traffic to pass beneath it.
The original structure built in 1888 served as the only land connection to Staten Island until 1928 and was operated by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. It played a crucial role in linking industrial New Jersey with the developing areas across the water.
The royal blue color of the structure reflects the heritage of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the bridge has become a familiar landmark for local observers and train enthusiasts. Its presence shapes how people in the area view their industrial waterfront.
The structure remains elevated for maritime traffic and lowers twice daily to allow train passages. Visitors exploring the area should note that the bridge's movements are synchronized with train schedules and shipping activity in the waterway.
The original swing-span design completed in 1890 had a span of 500 feet (152 meters) and was the longest structure of its type worldwide at that time. This achievement demonstrated cutting-edge engineering capabilities for the era.
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