by Pensyfan19
It is evident for nearly 40 years, the former CNJ Main line between Cranford, NJ and Communipaw Terminal has been abandoned, but the right of way is mostly intact. Could it be possible for restoration of this portion of track along the original CNJ Main line? Doing so could allow for up to 4 tracks of passenger and freight service for NJT and Norfolk Southern, as well as allowing for the development of rai yards and freight spurs.
Some potential hazards I have observed with the route would be the Elizabeth station redesign, the Elizabethport crossover, the Newark Bay Bridge, and the remainder of the route running along the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. I have analyzed the proposed sketch of the Elizabeth station, and can conclude that due to the addition of new elevators and stairs, this could leave only 3 of the 4 tracks accessible for restoration. Regarding Elizabethport and the Newark Bay Bridge, I propose a bridge starting as a run through going over the Conrail Shared Assets(?) freight branch, the adjacent tracks going down to connect a Norfolk Southern container yard and other freight access points, while the bridge continues to span over the South Reach, high enough for Coast Guard Clearance, and then be placed over portions of route 440, and then coming back down to meet up with a small yard. A second track would then be added adjacent to the existing freight track and then go under the highway again into Communipaw Terminal.
Some potential hazards I have observed with the route would be the Elizabeth station redesign, the Elizabethport crossover, the Newark Bay Bridge, and the remainder of the route running along the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. I have analyzed the proposed sketch of the Elizabeth station, and can conclude that due to the addition of new elevators and stairs, this could leave only 3 of the 4 tracks accessible for restoration. Regarding Elizabethport and the Newark Bay Bridge, I propose a bridge starting as a run through going over the Conrail Shared Assets(?) freight branch, the adjacent tracks going down to connect a Norfolk Southern container yard and other freight access points, while the bridge continues to span over the South Reach, high enough for Coast Guard Clearance, and then be placed over portions of route 440, and then coming back down to meet up with a small yard. A second track would then be added adjacent to the existing freight track and then go under the highway again into Communipaw Terminal.
"Look down, step over, and watch the gap!" - Dr. John Clarke, The Gap Rap (2010)