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Bridge 7.44 over the Passaic River was controlled by WR Tower. It consisted of one deck plate girder draw and four deck plate girder spans carrying the double track for 530' over the Passaic and parallel river side roads. Originally built in 1897, major improvements were made in 1911. Its last major modification came in the 1950's when the two-level NJ Route 21 was built under its west end. To accommodate the highway one of its girder spans (just under the lead truck of the first SD45) had to be replaced with smaller girders to prevent highway height restrictions. After Conrail inherited the bridge, its western rest pier (under the rear truck of the first tank car) began to "unravel" (its stonework was pulling apart). This was caused by its footing shifting in its coffer dam under the river. According to Ed Thoden, although Conrail owned the bridge, neither Conrail nor NJ Transit wanted to put any money into it, since it was eventually to be eliminated by the Montcalir Connection. Finally, NJ Transit paid for temporary steelwork and minimal repairs were made. The tranquil scene pictured was October 19, 1974. (Rich Taylor)

Photograph from Erie Railroad Facilities Volume 1: New Jersey.

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