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Bridge: Ashwood Avenue | |||||
The Rahway Valley Railroad's bridge over Ashwood Avenue was one of four bridges the railroad had through the City of Summit. These four bridges effectively elevated the railroad and eliminated any possible grade crossings through the city. The bridge was originally constructed in 1905 as part of the railroad's extension to Summit. This bridge, along with the one over Russell Place, were completed by October, 1905. Apparently the RVRR neglected to acquire the necessary permits to construct the two bridges over Ashwood Avenue and Russell Place. In the middle of the night the City of Summit, utilizing a steam roller, pulled the two bridges down from their abutments. Nicholas C. J. English, General Counsel for the railroad, negotiated with the City of Summit to acquire the proper permits. It is unclear whether entirely new bridges were constructed or the original ones, which were pulled down, were utilized. Nevertheless the bridge which served the RVRR for many, many years was stamped by the American Bridge Company in 1905. Although the bridge has not seen a train since the formation of Conrail in 1976, it still remains in place. All photos taken by Richard J. King, 1/26/2013
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