DL&W = Delaware, Lackawanna & Western
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| HAER PA,48-PORT.V,2--8 (CT) |
Significance: Of the four extremely large concrete arch viaducts constructed by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad on straightening projects during the early 20th century, the Delaware River Viaduct is the only one with a curving, skew alignment. These structures illustrate the railroads pioneering efforts in reinforced concrete design, the luxury of detail permitted by its ample budget, and its drive to become "one of the most technologically perfect railroads in the nation."...Because the railroad carried freight for the cement manufacturing industry, established in the U.S. in the Delaware River valley, it took an early interest in the material. The DL&W's first concrete bridge, a 40'-0" span at Bridgeville, New Jersey, was completed in 1903. " [HAER-data]
Metrotrails posted two photos with the comment:
Metrotrails Then and Now Series: Historic 1909 Slateford, Pennsylvania image by Watson Bunnell, from the Steamtown NHS Archives, compared to the same scene on our 2023 hike.This was part of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad's New Jersey Cutoff project, completed in 1911. The route cut eleven miles off of the old main line, and well over 40 curves which allowed for over 70 mph speed along most of line.The line survived a merger with the Erie Railroad, but the Erie-Lackawanna went to Conrail in 1976, and was taken out of service in 1979. It was officially abandoned in 1982, and ripped up soon after.The Delaware Viaduct was the first of four major concrete viaducts constructed by the Lackawanna Railroad at the start of the twentieth century. For a short time, it held the record for largest concrete structure in the world, soon to be dwarfed by the other three bridges.The strong structure, which at points goes over fifty feet below water surface to find bedrock footing, was also built in aesthetically pleasing design of arch upon arch, like the aqueducts of Rome.The entire upper level of the bridge (the small arches) are reportedly to be replaced if the Cutoff is to be reactivated.Notice in the background under the arch a train on the New York, Susquehanna, and Western Railroad, on the NJ side. That was in operation from 1881 to 1941.
Metrotrails shared
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Metrotrails posted two photos with the comment:
Metrotrails Then and Now Series: Historic 1910 Slateford, Pennsylvania image by Watson Bunnell, from the Steamtown NHS Archives, compared to the same scene on our 2023 hike.This was part of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad's New Jersey Cutoff project, completed in 1911. The route cut eleven miles off of the old main line, and well over 40 curves which allowed for over 70 mph speed along most of line.The line survived a merger with the Erie Railroad, but the Erie-Lackawanna went to Conrail in 1976, and was taken out of service in 1979. It was officially abandoned in 1982, and ripped up soon after.The Delaware Viaduct was the first of four major concrete viaducts constructed by the Lackawanna Railroad at the start of the twentieth century. For a short time, it held the record for largest concrete structure in the world, soon to be dwarfed by the other three bridges.The strong structure, which at points goes over fifty feet below water surface to find bedrock footing, was also built in aesthetically pleasing design of arch upon arch, like the aqueducts of Rome.The entire upper level of the bridge (the small arches) are reportedly to be replaced if the Cutoff is to be reactivated.
Metrotrails shared with the comment: "Delaware Viaduct slateford PA."
Rob Nichols: The New Jersey Cutoff also features the massive Perquest Fill which I didn't know about until driving north through the area one winter days several years ago. It's truly impressive when seen from below while the leaves are off the trees. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pequest_Fill
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| Paul Compoly posted Delaware River Viaduct in Slateford PA. The viaduct is still standing but is longer used. Date and photographer unknown. Richard Jamison: the train is more likey the phobe snow |
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| Peter Richmond posted Delaware River Viaduct, winter of 2014. |
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| Hackettstown Through The Years. posted A good old picture of the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Delaware Water Gap viaduct. This was part of the Lackawanna cutoff when constructed. The rails were removed here in 1984. Currently efforts are being made to restore rail service here. Ken Heitzenrater shared |
Ben Armand posted two photos with the comment: "Lackawanna cutoff."
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| safe_image for State police enforce no trespassing on Delaware River Viaduct "Violators face a fine of up to $300." |
This video explains @ 1:17 that the 1914 Martins Creek bridge was bigger and the later Nicholson Bridge over the Tunkhannock Valley was even bigger.
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