Lift bridges, their age, features, history, and problems.

[HBLR]

I was curious about the lift bridges on the newark to wtc line. When were they built, what kind of specifications they sport, anything unique, and the problems they tend to have now and again, mainly failure to lock, and are there any plans to replace, refurbish or otherwise update these structures for the 21st century.

[R36 Combine Coach]

The "Dock" bridge at Passaic River in Newark was built in 1935-37. It is a 3-span structure controlled jointly by Amtrak and PATH. The west span (3 tracks) was built in 1935 and is used by Amtrak/NJT. The center PATH span (2 tracks) was built in 1937 at a higher elevation than the other two spans. The east span was built in 1937.

"Hack" Bridge at the Hackensack River was built circa 1910 by the PRR for trains running between Exchange Place terminal in Jersey City and Newark. Until 1961 when Exchange Place closed, H&M trains shared the line with GG1s and MP54s.

[amtrakowitz]

"Hack" Bridge at the Hackensack River was built circa 1910 by the PRR for trains running between Exchange Place terminal in Jersey City and Newark. Until 1961 when Exchange Place closed, H&M trains shared the line with GG1s and MP54s

Steam and diesels also. Trains such as "The Broker" were hauled by K4s and diesel-electric locomotives such as the Baldwin "Sharknose" out of Exchange Place bound for Bay Head. Of course, Exchange Place started as a steam terminal, going way back to New Jersey Railroad days.