CharlieL wrote: ↑Fri Jan 27, 2023 7:05 pm The current raritan bridge has catenarys too low for plate "f" and they cannot be raised enough to support it. Between the bridge and Jamesburg there are no obstructions to the height, ditto Jamesburg to Lakewood. It is my understanding the new bridge will not have the same height restrictions. Also supposedly will support 286k car weight.I believe the current bridge already supports 286K car weight. They are predominantly replacing the bridge since
A) it is well over 100 years old, that bridge has seen thousands, if not millions, of trains crossover it in its lifetime. It's definitely worn and needs replacing
B) apparently, it was significantly damaged by Hurricane Sandy - trains can only go 30MPH over them now, when before they could go 60MPH
C) I believe the new bridge will be able to support 60MPH trains, if not much faster
D) the new bridge will have a higher clearance underneath, as well as other features that will make it more resilient to storms where salty seawater will breach the bridge
E) Lastly, and probably most importantly, the current Raritan River Bridge I think is a swing-bridge, severely limiting the size of boats that can come through it. The new bridge will be a vertical lift bridge, ensuring that wider vessels can get through - which is important considering there are plans to re-establish/expand the Port of Raritan that connects with the Raritan Center, as mentioned in this thread before