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Broad Street

Bridge: Broad Street


The RV's two span bridge over Broad Street is seen here, looking eastward.Photo taken by Jeff Jargosch.

The RV's two span bridge over Broad Street is seen here, looking westward. Seen at the left are the apartments that took the place of the RV's Summit Station and Yard. Both photos are dated 1991. Photo taken by Jeff Jargosch.

 

This view reveals many details of the bridge's construction. Photo taken by Jeff Jargosch.

Immediately before the Rahway Valley Railroad's connection with the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western, was the railroad's bridge over Broad Street (MP 7.02), earlier called Park Avenue. This light, two span truss, bridge was perhaps the most unique bridge on the Rahway Valley Railroad.

The bridge appears to of been constructed around 1906, as part of the original construction of the railroad through Summit. The only purpose the bridge served, as far as what is known, was to facilitate the RVRR's connection with the DL&W. Between 1906 and 1931, it is unclear how often the bridge was used as the DL&W prevented the RVRR to interchange with their Morris & Essex line.

As can be seen in the photographs on this page, the Broad Street bridge had a fairly low clearance. Due to this problem, it was not long after the railroad closed in 1992 that the bridge was removed.



Wm. Wyer & Co.
Report on Rahway Valley Railroad
August 1944

Over Broad Street. (formerly Park Ave.) Three spans of steel bridge for one track. One 52'-", one 54'0" thru pony trusses spans and one 30'0" deck plate girder span. Total length is 136'-0". Underclearance (Span #1 - 15'-0") (Span #2 - 13'-6"). Condition good.

 

Looking eastward towards the Broad Street bridge. The building to the right is where the RV's Summit Station was located.
Photo taken by Jeff Jargosch


Photo taken by Jeff Jargosch.

Photo taken by Jeff Jargosch.


Looking eastward towards the Broad Street bridge.
Photo taken by Peter Thornton, courtesy of Don Maxton.


 

Head Back to the Station!