If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. He was buried alive in the cement when it was built. Nicholas Dnistran. The resulting span was at one time the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. "[16][17] This translation is thought to refer either to the valley of the Paulins Kill itself, or to the Delaware Water Gap. The cost is also not exorbitant and is healthy for the overall socioeconomic well-being for the region. Variously known as the Paulinskill Viaduct, or the Hainesburg Viaduct, the bridge still sits there, casting its broad shadow across a river frequented by fly casters and kayakers. NJ Transit did not immediately respond to a follow-up request for comment. Supposedly anyone who tries to cut down the tree comes to an untimely end, as it is now cursed. [57] Likewise, Warren County has preserved 100 farm properties, comprising over 12,200 acres (4,900ha). But it didnt completely solve the issues. 20051042. After the New York, Susquehanna and Western decommissioned the route in 1962, the right-of-way along this corridor was purchased by the City of Newark the following year. State Police Sgt. The train line went out of service in 1979, the railroad tracks were torn up in 1985 and the Viaduct was abandoned. It is also the definition of an attractive. The bridge is more than 100 feet high and presents significant hazards to any trespassers, DOT spokesperson Brian Ahrens said on Nov. 19. The 1,100-foot-long, 115-foot-tall seven arch span was built by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in 1910. But it didnt completely solve the issues. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Our main issue is the township of Knowlton does not own the (viaduct). Support NJ.com, Rob Jennings | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Paulinskill Viaduct. Simply put, it will be a complete loss for residents of North Jersey and Northeastern Pennsylvania. In 1910-11 it was the worlds largest Concrete Structure. [26] English, Scottish, and Welsh settlers located in the Paulins Kill valley throughout the latter half of the eighteenth century, often traveled north from Philadelphia, or west from Long Island, Newark, and Elizabethtown (now Elizabeth). It is fascinating how time can turn the mighty into the weak. [10] The Wallkill River drains the northeastern portion of the valley, flowing north to the Hudson River watershed. The viaduct was built by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad as part of the Lackawanna Cut . Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Yards Creek, which rises at the Yards Creek reservoir in Blairstown, enters the Paulins Kill near the hamlet of Hainesburg in Knowlton Township. The Viaduct, or Hainesburg Trestle, is a long abandoned railroad bridge over the Paulinskill River near Blairstown. [41][42][43] It was the largest concrete viaduct in the world until 1915,[citation needed] when the Lackawanna Railroad opened the Tunkhannock Viaduct in Nicholson, Pennsylvania, spanning over twice the Paulinskill Viaduct's length. Though trespassing and even bungee jumping have long been popular at the abandoned site, both are now illegal, not to mention life-threatening activities. When completed in 1910, it was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. [35][failed verification] New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection occasionally brings civil actions against local firms that pollute in the Paulins Kill watershed, such as a $121,500 fine for a Sussex County shopping mall sewage treatment facility which discharged pollutants into a tributary of the Paulins Kill between 1996 and 1998. I dont like the idea of having a train through here. Mathez recalled boarding the train in Blairstown, but never actually rode across the viaduct. [59] Hunting and trapping are permitted in season in many of these protected areas. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The route has another, more massive viaduct (the Tunkhannock Creek . Sussex County has permanently preserved 12,242 acres (4,954ha) of woodland and farmland. [1] When completed in 1910, it was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. Participating in this activity could result in you or others getting hurt. I asked one person, are the blocks stopping people? He said, no, theyve put up a ramp, he said. The N.J. Department of Transportation, which owns the right of way that includes the Paulinskill Viaduct, did no immediately respond to a request for comment on possible future uses. Paulinskill Viaduct Creepy, Decaying, Abandoned, Haunted Weird NJ, Stree. Also sighted are several species of woodpecker, including red-headed, red-bellied, and downy, and the pileated woodpecker, as well as the yellow-bellied sapsucker. About four or five years ago, some enormous concrete blocks, about 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, were installed to block ATVs and other vehicles. It has seven arches reaching 115 feet high and stretching 1,100 feet wide, and was the world'slargest reinforced concrete structure when it was built. About 6% of the workforce in Warren County have super commutes in excess of 90 minutes, that is roughly 3,900 people. . Paulinskill Viaduct Photograph by Jerry Fornarotto - Fine Art America Need your order in time for Christmas? Fortunately, with more environmentally conscious efforts as of recent, the cutoff has now been owned by NJTransit since 2011. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 8 h 22 min to complete. [28][33], The first road connecting Elizabethtown, and Morristown with settlements along the Delaware River, was the Military Road built by Jonathan Hampton (17111777) in 17551756. At the time it was built in 1910, it was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. There are many manmade wonders in New Jersey, one of which is the Paulinskill Viaduct. [47], The Paulins Kill is a popular fishing destination for various species of trout, such as rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout. Memoirs and Reminiscences: Together with Sketches of the Early History of Sussex County, New Jersey. Support lehighvalleylive.com. I was talking to a state trooper that is stationed around there and he said that they were arresting 15 to 20 people a month there. The park resided near some marshland right before the Rt. Thats nothing compared to bungee-jumping, which Mathez said was popular for a time about a decade or two ago. Youre not supposed to go up there, but people do it all the time, said Rene Mathez, whose home is about a quarter-mile from the 109-year-old span. Paulinskill Viaduct (Hainesburg Viaduct), Knowlton, New Jersey: explored & photographed by: Shady. The railroad corridor, known as the Lackawanna Cutoff, was built by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western (DL&W) Railroad from 1908 to1911 between Port Morris Junction in Port Morris, New Jersey to Slateford Junction in Slateford, Pennsylvania. Internal Chambers once used for bridge inspection and maitnence. Paulinskill Viaduct, Columbia: See 5 reviews, articles, and 9 photos of Paulinskill Viaduct, ranked No.6 on Tripadvisor among 6 attractions in Columbia. [46], The Paulins Kill continues to maintain its rural character through both local concern and government policy. Often sighted are water fowl such as the mute swan, the wood duck, and the mallard, wading birds such as the killdeer, and predators such as the red-tailed hawk. [13][14] However, the fact that the name Paulins Kill is present on maps and surveys dating from the 1740s and 1750stwo and three decades before the Revolutionnegates the veracity of this tradition. (A sister bridge of similar design but smaller dimension, the Delaware River Viaduct, carries the Lackawanna Cut-Off over the river, Interstate 80, and the New Jersey-Pennsylvania state line.) Why should people in Northwest New Jersey and Northeastern Pennsylvania have to deal with such long commutes? There are tunnels within it. More rare birds sighted in the Paulins Kill valley include: purple martin, scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, Baltimore oriole, purple finch, and a variety of owls, notably the barn, eastern screech, great horned, snowy, barred, and northern saw-whet owl.[64]. [23][failed verification] Often villages established and settled by German emigrants remained culturally German well into the Nineteenth Century, with German Lutheran and Reformed churches (often as "Union" churches) established shortly after the first settlements (as was the case in Knowlton and in Stillwater). . They were jumping off the middle of the bridge on the south side, Walsh said. However, the Green Mountains and the Catskills are the ones getting the infrastructure improvements with rail investments on the Vermonter and Ethan Allen Services through Amtrak. It was abandoned by Conrail in the late 1970's. Today New Jersey Transit is conducting studies to restore the cutoff and restore passenger trains between Hoboken, Newark, Stroudsburg, the Poconos, and Scranton. Swartswood State Park, established in 1914 as the first and oldest state park in New Jersey, is on 2,272 acres (919ha) just north of Paulins Kill Lake in Sussex County. We would encourage people, if they want to hike in the woods, to do it in a state park or on the state trail system. In 1910, the Lackawanna RR finished this route using the Netcong cutoff to connect Binghamton, NY to Hoboken, NJ Without a single grade crossing. Point A, in this case, was the Paulinskill Viaduct, an abandoned railroad bridge which spans the Paulins Kill in Hainesburg, NJ. Paulinskill Viaduct. The Pocono Mountains and the venues in the area spend a lot on advertisements, but the area lacks an additional, major transportation option for the millions of people from the densely populated New York City/North Jersey area and beyond. Its a constant, ongoing problem to get the graffiti off, Starrs said in 2019. .. or you may find people camped out and doing . Knowlton, N.J. Oct. 27, 2019.Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. We visited the Paulinskill Viaduct in May 2002. It is also the definition of an attractive nuisance. and Brinton, Daniel G. Schaeffer, Casper, M.D. Today the viaduct is owned by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which has to restore freight and passenger rail service between New York and Scranton, PA over the trestle. The main branch of the Paulins Kill begins to form immediately north of Newton, in the marshes that straddle the town. Towns known for drunken bro fest. It is an excellent area for birdwatching, canoeing, hiking, hunting and fishing, and is considered to be one of the best trout streams in New Jersey. Mathez has lived in a stone house, built in 1789, for 52 years. That seems to have abated, Mathez said. [1] Other spellings (Pawlins Kill or Paulinskill) have remained in common use. We would encourage people, if they want to hike in the woods, to do it in a state park or on the state trail system. The name Tockhockonetcong (or Tockhockonetcunk) roughly translates to "stream that comes from Tok-Hok-Nok"Tok-hok-nok being an Indian village believed to have been within the boundaries of present-day Newton, New Jersey,[18] near which the eastern (main) branch of the Paulins Kill begins, and the Lenape roots hannek meaning "stream" and the suffix -ong denoting "place". Not because of the train itself. Why should a weekend getaway to our area, or a commute from our area to New York City/North Jersey come with the side effects of being jammed inside rush hour traffic on Interstate 80 in New Jersey or even local congestion here in the Poconos. The Paulins Kill continues its course southwest, entering Warren County, where it initially forms the border between Frelinghuysen and Hardwick townships. Atlas Obscura identifier. Improve this listing All photos (9) Top ways to experience nearby attractions BEST Boston, New Haven and Rhode Island 2-Day Tour from New York 3 Bus Tours from $243.00 Flowing through rural sections of Sussex and Warren counties, it is regarded as an excellent place for fly fishing. A spokesperson for the N.J. Department of Transportation, which owns the right of way that includes the Paulinskill Viaduct, said public access is strictly prohibited.. Aug 25, 2010 The abanonded concrete railroad bridge known as Paulinskill Viaduct was built in 1910 and now serves as a great little spot to explore. At the time of its completion in 1910, the Paulinskill Viaduct held the title of the largest reinforced concrete structure on the planet. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. It enters Blairstown immediately after, where it is joined by Blair Creek, named (as is the town) for John Insley Blair (18021899), as well as Jacksonburg Creek, Susquehanna Creek, Dilts Creek and Walnut Creek. The river flows north from its source near Newton in Sussex County, and then turns southwest toward the Warren County townships of Frelinghuysen, Hardwick, Blairstown, and Knowlton. The Viaduct, or Hainesburg Trestle, is a long abandoned railroad bridge over the Paulinskill River near Blairstown. 1 stars. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management. . Paulinskill Viaduct, Columbia New Jersey (Knowlton Township)Exploring one of the past wonders of the world, Paulinskill Viaduct AKA Hainesburg Trestle. A recent study called the Lackawanna Cutoff Restoration Commuter Rail Study pegs the cost at $288.93 million, far lower than the $551 million estimate in a 2006 study. [19], The Paulins Kill was originally known as the Tockhockonetcong by the local Native Americans, who were likely Munsee, a tribe or phratry of the Lenni Lenape. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. New Jersey State Police have jurisdiction over the viaduct, whose nearest road - Station Road - prominently displays no-trespassing signs. No one seems to know what, if anything, the future might hold for the viaduct, which for a time was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. Dams were erected to power various small-town gristmills, sawmills, oil expellers, and fulling mills,[28] and the electrical power plant at Branchville established in 1903. The region would be donating possible future guests who prefer to ride the train to their destinations to Vermont and New Yorks Catskills. Show the world your Jersey pride some of our Jersey-centric goodies. The first words out of his mouth were, Do I get a refund? I recall The Star-Ledger or Herald News stating that he sustained a couple broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a ruptured spleen. According to some, numerous suicides and murders occurred around the evil arbor. Together they comprise 6,564acres (2656ha) of protected lands, mostly acquired through "Green Acres" funds. reviews. Get more stories delivered right to your email. reviews. About four or five years ago, some enormous concrete blocks, about 10 feet long and 3 feet wide, were installed to block ATVs and other vehicles. At the time it was built in 1910, it was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. [1][2] Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. Bryan, Dear Weird NJ:I wanted to let you know about thetrespassing problemat the Paulinskill Viaduct in Blairstown. Officials installed fencing making it difficult to toss anything off the viaduct in that area, he said. For a thrill you can go . For a while, viaduct visitors were throwing stones into the Paulins Kill, but sometimes their aim was off and the rocks were landing on Station Road. [11], The U.S. Geological Survey Board of Geographic Names decided that the official spelling of the name would be Paulins Kill in 1898. When first constructed in 1908, the Paulinskill Viaduct was considered to be one of the wonders of the world. For a brief period of time the reinforced concrete arched bridge was the largest structure of its kind in the entire world (until a more massive one was built in Pennsylvania). 0 references. Content titles and body; Content titles only Mathez has lived in a stone house, built in 1789, for 51 years. He said he doesnt favor restoring the rail line. It has been five years since Ive been there but I keep in touch with my old friends there and they do return to practice and they still feel a presence there sometimes. [34] This road, which crosses the Paulins Kill at present-day Baleville, in Hampton Township, was built to supply fortifications built in the Delaware valley at this time to protect New Jersey during the French and Indian War. It is also the definition of an attractive nuisance. Rail lines were like todays interstates, he said, adding that restoring the Lackawanna Cutoff would especially benefit commuters from eastern Pennsylvania seeking an alternative to driving on Route 80. [21][22], Typically, early European settlement along the Paulins Kill was by Palatine Germans who had emigrated to the New World via the port of Philadelphia from 1720 to 1800. Now you have cell phones, said Walsh, who runs the Lackawanna Cut-Off Historical Committee Facebook group. Both Shafer and Windemuth were married to Bernhardt's daughters. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Mostly its kids with motor bikes, he said when asked what he typically sees up there. Manholes located along the railbed provide access to the top of the bridge from within. Thank you! The Paulinskill Viaduct is a reinforced concrete railroad bridge that crosses the Paulins Kill in Knowlton Township. One should be able to comfortably relax, do some work ahead of time, or read a book, listen to some music, or get much-needed nap while they commute. It is authorized to succeed to Andover, New Jersey for Phase 1, and it is projected to be in service by 2025. The river sits in the Ridge and Valley geophysical province. Shafer, with his father-in-law, Johan Peter Bernhardt (?1748), and his brother-in-law Johann Georg Windemuth (or John George Wintermute) (17111782), settled at Stillwater in 1742. One time I got so nervous I didnt feel safe to be there anymore. In addition, over in Colorado, they even have seasonal ski trains, including one known as the Winter Park Express. My fellow adventurers on this mad quest were Kagemushi, Giza, and Carmine. [44] Currently abandoned, several plans are underway by New Jersey Transit to open the route as a passenger line to Scranton, Pennsylvania. The Paulins Kill was a conduit for the emigration of Palatine Germans who settled in northwestern New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania during the colonial period and the American Revolution. The thing I dont like is the impetus for development if the train comes through here, he said. The Paulinskill Viaduct, also known as the Hainesburg Viaduct, is a reinforced concrete railroad bridge that crosses the Paulins Kill in Knowlton Township, New Jersey. Within the past few years, the State of New Jersey has installed fencing and "No Trespassing" signs around the viaduct. The Viaduct is now clearly marked as being owned by the state of New Jersey and there are signs thatsay the property is patrolled by the state police. He also told me that most of these people say that they hear about it from Weird NJ. [35], About the year 1760, Mark Thomson (17391803) settled in Hardwick Township (now Frelinghuysen Township) and erected a gristmill and sawmill on the Paulins Kill. They were jumping off the middle of the bridge on the south side, Walsh said last year. Pinterest. Remnants of their chiefly agricultural settlements are still found in local architecture, cemeteries, farms and mills, and the area remains largely rural. "In those days, there was no fast way to get ahold of anyone. [39] In 2000, a public sewer and water project in Branchville, New Jersey, was suspended out of concern for dwarf wedgemussels (Alasmidonta heterodon), an endangered species, and restarted in 2002. In the neighboring Monroe County, a 2017 CBS article puts the reality of East Stroudsburg Boroughs residents in perspective The roughly 20,000 residents who call the Monroe County borough home have the dubious honor of enduring the countrys longest average commute, Census Bureau data show, topping even notorious traffic magnets like Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C. And that is 20,000 in East Stroudsburg Borough only. History of Paulinskill Viaduct The settlement that arose was later named Marksboro in his honour. Letter from Kenton Kilmer to Aline Kilmer (addressed to c/o Bob Holliday), November 18, 1929. quoted in Hillis, John. As a kid, I used to go there a lot. [12], Local tradition says that the Paulins Kill was named for a girl named Pauline, the daughter of a Hessian soldier. Artifacts (often of stone, clay or bone) of the Native American culture are often found in nearby farm fields and at the site of their ancient villages. With a long-term median flow rate of 76cubic feet of water per second (2.15m/s), it is New Jersey's third-largest contributor to the Delaware River, behind the Musconetcong River and Maurice River. Then somebody was hurt pretty badly and the police put a stop to it, Mathez said. The Paulinskill Viaduct, also known as the Hainesburg Viaduct, is a reinforced concrete railroad bridge that crosses the Paulins Kill in Knowlton Township, New Jersey. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. This is one of the most interesting abandoned places in New Jersey that I have visited. The Viaduct, or Hainesburg Trestle, is a long abandoned railroad bridge over the Paulinskill River near Blairstown. Hikers, ATV riders, climbers, graffiti artists even bungee-jumpers have been spotted over the years. During the American Revolution, Hessian soldiers captured at the Battle of Trenton and other skirmishes within New Jersey were held as prisoners of war in the Stillwater area. All of my search term words; Any of my search term words; Find results in. There are no doubts about it. Today, the lake is a private, year-round residential community with over 500 homes. When completed in 1910, it was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. and Johnson, William M. Viet, Richard F. "John Solomon Teetzel and the Anglo-German Gravestone Carving Tradition of 18th century Northwestern New Jersey" in, "Branchville Sewer Plant May Still Be Built" by Jamie Goldenbaum in. For a while, viaduct visitors were throwing stones into the Paulins Kill, but sometimes their aim was off and the rocks were landing on Station Road. Paulinskill Viaduct - Columbia, NJ 07832, USA. They were coming down right over the river. Some people even say on certain nights there are satanic rituals held in the rooms inside the bridge. Paulinskill Viaduct My first view of the viaduct is from the south side along Station Road. Support NJ.com, Rob Jennings | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Neighborhood fight stopped it. An adventurous (and illegal) trek by two young women from Mendham, N.J., turned into a full-scale rescue Thursday when one of them fell down a manhole in the Paulinskill Viaduct, an abandoned. Our fire and rescue has responded multiple times to people who got stuck up there, Starrs said. This project benefits both New Jerseyans by freeing up parking capacity and Pennsylvanians by giving them dedicated lots in Monroe and Lackawanna counties. A rogue entrepreneur set up a horizontal pulley system, someone managed to get a car onto the viaduct, and was charging $75 per jump, he said. Abandoned for years, much of the viaduct is hollow, allowing explorers to traverse the interior. Tourist attraction Paulinskill Viaduct Not Available/5 - based on reviews. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. I asked one person, are the blocks stopping people? He said, no, theyre put up a ramp," he said. And its also worth mentioning the VIA Rail Service for our northern neighbors in Alberta, Canada to their scenic Banff ski areas. NJ Transit is lengthening the current line about three miles to Andover Township, in Sussex County, but there is no plan at present to head farther west, a spokesperson said in 2019. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). All contents Weird NJ and may not be reproduced by any means without permission. Abandoned Railroad Bridge full of GraffitiDelaware Lackawanna \u0026 Western Railroad Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulinskill_ViaductWeird NJ: https://weirdnj.com/stories/paulinskill-viaduct/Bridgehunter: https://bridgehunter.com/nj/warren/bh45687Connect with us on:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dabbleintravelnj/Facebook:www.facebook.com/dabbleintravel [45] This site is commonly visited by adventure-seeking individuals. With its impressive 115-foot clearance and seven majestic supporting arches, the 1,100 foot-long bridge was a marvel of modern engineering at the time. [61] Common northeastern American reptiles found there include snakes such as the American copperhead, northern water snake, common garter snake and milk snake, and turtles, including the eastern box turtle, and common snapping turtle. I dont remember if we found the spot or not but the guy is supposed to walk the tracks on top of the trestle. Amongst non-railfans, the Paulinskill Viaduct is known for its internal chambers (used to inspect the structural integrity of the bridge), which are popular among those who enjoy urban exploration. Neither do we. That is lost revenue, lost income and more negative carbon emissions in North Jersey and Northeastern Pennsylvania for a purpose that could easily be fulfilled by a commuter/intercity rail to Scranton. Knowlton Mayor Adele Starrs said she would prefer seeing the viaduct incorporated into the regions extensive rails-to-trails network. Walsh said he no longer sees anything like that, adding that technology has likely played a role in discouraging extreme adventures. The second and most likely etymological origin is that the Native American name given to the mountain on the valley's western flank, Pahaqualong (also spelled Pahaqualin, Pohoqualin and Pahaquarra) may have been corrupted and anglicized to a spelling such as "Paulins" by early white settlers or surveyors. Now the following question would probably be cost. True or not, visitors to the area do report a strange presence or eerie feeling. No matter how wide Interstate 80 in New Jersey is, even up to the Interstate 95 interchange in Bergen County, theres clearly demand for additional commuter and traveler capacity even if taking into account COVID-19s impact on future workflows. To this day, the murder is unsolved. Today, it is owned by New Jersey Department of Transportation. We would tell people that, aside from it being illegal to go back there, its not deemed a safe area to hike, Flynn said. These days if you may see people walking a dog, someone proposing, or base jumpers, or unfortunately even risk takers or worse. The viaduct was built by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad as part of the Lackawanna Cut-Off, a project that replaced an older route with a straighter and flatter route through the mountains of northwestern New Jersey. Now, Im not saying its the your fault. The Spy House In Port Monmouth. Several farms along the banks of the Paulins Kill produce alfalfa, wheat, corn, hay (and historically, barley, buckwheat and rye). reviews. [50], The Paulins Kill valley contains many protected areas. Do not enter or you're trespassing. The Paulinskill Viaduct is also known for its internal chambers (used to inspect the structural integrity of the bridge), which are popular among those who enjoy urban exploration. If you park your car on the side of the road and walk up a steep hill you can climb into the bridge. NJ Transit is lengthening the current line about three miles to Andover Township, in Sussex County, but there is no plan at present to head farther west, a spokesperson said. Love New Jersey? In an era before interstates, and before automobiles were common, everyone traveled by rail. Unused since the road was abandoned by Conrail in 1984, it has now become . The Paulinskill Viaduct has been a bridge to nowhere since 1978, when the last train rumbled across this majestic crossing 115 feet above the river. Kristen, Poured in Cement, Workers Ghost Wanders the Trestle, A man is supposed to haunt the trestle. Pahaqualong is roughly translated as "end of two mountains with stream between", from a combination of the words peuck meaning "water hole," qua meaning "boundary," and the suffix -onk meaning "place. Anthony, A. S., Rev. The first highway traffic circle ever was in N.J. Youre welcome, America. The thing I dont like is the impetus for development if the train comes through here, he said. At the time of the first settlement by emigrating Europeans in this region, it was populated by the Munsee tribe of the Lenni Lenape (or Delaware) Indians. When completed in 1910, it was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. Giving up the corridor, which is currently in safe hands NJTransit and gaining interest by Amtrak for their 2035 rail network vision for another recreation trail would be the worst possible decision for the region. Likewise, the former Pahaquarry Township in Warren County derived its name from this origin. 1 reference. He said he doesnt favor restoring the rail line. Newark sold their claim to the corridor in 1992 to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for $600,000, and the Paulinskill Valley Trail was created. [49] Shad can still be found in the Delaware River. In addition, the address is not included as trespassing is illegal. Both dangerous an illegal, many have failed to heed the law and the structure is filled with graffiti. It was on September 4, 1977, that an aspiring young music major was brutally murdered while practicing piano in an empty auditorium at The College of New Jersey (then known as Trenton State College). Deciding to live for now, I climb back up the slanty rungs and head back east off the bridge, back to the top of the page to . Today. [9] The upper northwestern area is drained by the Big Flatbrook River to the Delaware River watershed in the south. (and Johnson, William M.). Paulinskill Viaduct, Columbia New Jersey (Knowlton Township)Exploring one of the past wonders of the world, Paulinskill Viaduct AKA Hainesburg Trestle. The height can be dizzying though, looking down at the tops of tall trees, and several of the guardrails are not longer in place to separate the adventurer from the abyss. In 2016, it took a lengthy rescue to free a 20-year-old women who fell down a manhole cover and injured her ankle. Since then it has remained a true hidden treasure. Got a story to pitch? Freebase ID /m/0g2jqy. [24][25][failed verification] The German cultural impact of this community can still be seen in local architecturemost notably in barns and in stone housesand in cemeteries containing intricately carved gravestones often bearing archaic German text and funerary symbols. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Completed in 1911, it was part of the Lackawanna Cutoff before being abandoned in the 1960s. In recent decades, the dams have been breached or no longer impede the flow of the river. The river owes its fly fishing reputation largely to the prolific populations of various species of the mayfly and caddisfly. 3 stars. The tracks were removed in 1982 and the Viaduct abandoned. Height from ground 115 feet. Paulins Kill Viaduct Primary Photographer (s): Nathan Holth Bridge Documented: November 8, 2015 View Photos and Videos View Maps and Links Facility Carried / Feature Intersected Railroad (Abandoned Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad) Over Paulins Kill and Station Road Location Rural: Warren County, New Jersey: United States Structure Type Paulinskill Viaduct was one of the largest reinforced concrete structures in the world at its time and is also known as the Hinesburg viaduct. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). People were bungee jumping from the top of the trestle. The people who live around the Viaduct as well as the town of Blairstown are annoyed about the drinking, graffiti anddrug use that has happened there. With a road running underneath and near several hiking trails, its easy enough to find but we do not encourage illegal activity. Mathez said efforts have been made, to varying degrees of success, to limit access to the viaduct from the woods on either side or at least minimize the potential harm. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Also known as the Hainesburg Trestle, it was an architectural marvel. Its done a whole study with regards to a restoration projet. Located just outside of Blairstown there is a bridge back in the woods. of concrete and about 500 tons of reinforcement steel..The base of the rail is about 110 ft. above . Ohio, the Northwest Territory, the Southern Tier of New York) and those that remained had assimilated into English-speaking culture, and the German Reformed or Lutheran Churches often became Presbyterian. All rights reserved (About Us). [5][6], The Paulins Kill drains a portion of the Kittatinny Valley watershed. All rights reserved (About Us). Designed by the DL&W's engineering staff under the supervision of chief engineer Lincoln Bush[2] and built by the Philadelphia contracting firm of Reiter, Curtis & Hill, the bridge was considered a pioneering work that opened the door to the building of even larger concrete viaducts by the Lackawanna, most notably the Tunkhannock Viaduct in Pennsylvania in 1915. NJTransit also has the equipment and capacity, with dual mode diesel electric locomotives to multi-level coaches, so theyre ready to operate. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. if one weren't afraid of certain death. I have seen dozens of disclaimers stating your views on trespassing and other criminal acts resulting from exploring abandoned places. Of all the abandoned places that Weird NJ has explored over the years none match the awe inspiring architectural magnificence of the Paulinskill Viaduct. Most of the New Jersey shoreline and cities such as Elizabethtown and Newark were practically unknown to the German settlers along the Paulins Kill who learned of the existence of these cities only through trade with the local Lenni Lenape. Paulinskill Viaduct - Knowlton, NJ Paulinskill Viaduct Bridge, Trail, and Scenic Lookout Knowlton Save Share Tips 4 Photos 7 See what your friends are saying about Paulinskill Viaduct. [1], After the establishment of Swartswood State Park in 1914, a dam was built in the 1920s across the river in Stillwater Township to create Paulinskill Lake. One should not have to try to battle for a parking spot in New Jersey in order to cut down their commute times into New York City. English Wikipedia. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. We packed our equipment up and left. Map of Jonathan Hampton (1758) in the collection of the New Jersey Historical Society, Newark, New Jersey. There are plans to restore service to the area. Photos of the interior are not included in this article as it was difficult to find graffiti without vulgarity. With the decline of anthracite coal production and usage by the 1960s, traffic on the DL&W declined. [56] Since 1983, several farms across New Jersey have sold development rights to the county programs. 4 stars. Continue reading , Of all the abandoned places that Weird NJ has explored over the years none match the awe inspiring architectural magnificence of the Paulinskill Viaduct. #njhistory #knowltonnj #blairstownnj #paulinskillviaduct #paulinskill #hainesburgviaduct #warrencountynj #warrencounty #viaduct #newjersey #just_newjersey #njspots #gardenstate #architecturedesign #architecture #architecturelovers #trainbridge #urbanexploration #urbanexploring #graffiti #graffitiart # . 7 8 It's completion marked the opening of the Nicholson Cutoff. Walsh said he no longer sees anything like that, adding that technology has likely played a role in discouraging extreme adventures. Over the years, Ive always wondered why one of the most premier ski and recreation destinations in the Northeast - the Pocono Mountains - does not have passenger rail service. Its time to reinvigorate our wonderful region, and have a stronger, solid, and better transportation infrastructure network for Northeastern Pennsylvania and Northwestern New Jersey. After their death, the castle passed down through many owners until it met its demise at the hands of arsonists in the 1960s. U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, whose office helped cobble together about $1 million in local, state and federal grants to help pay for the new study, called it inching forward in restoring a train service. [4] The river drains an area of 176.85 square miles (458.0km2) across portions of Sussex and Warren counties and 11 municipalities. Now you have cell phones, said Walsh, who runs the Lackawanna Cut-Off Historical Committee Facebook group. Historical stocks and bonds, Autographs, Americana, Ephemera, Numismatics and all forms of paper collectibles specializing in Uncancelled bonds Aerial view of the 109-year-old Paulinskill Viaduct. Of course, I would like positive improvements for all ski destinations in the Northeast, from the Green Mountains in Vermont, to the Catskills in New York State, to ours in the Poconos and Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. The Paulinskill Viaduct, also known as the Hainesburg Viaduct, is a reinforced concrete railroad bridge that crosses the Paulins Kill in Knowlton Township, New Jersey. [36], Still, pollution reaches the Paulins Kill from nearby residential developments and farm run-off containing agricultural pesticides and fertilizers. [62], The Paulinskill Valley Traila network of rail trails along abandoned railroad beds of the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroadhave been transformed and maintained for hiking, horseback riding, and other recreational uses, stretches for 27 miles (43km) from Sparta Junction in Sussex County to Columbia in Warren County, roughly following the entire length of the river. 5 stars. Structurae structure ID. Chuck Walsh, also of Knowlton, recalled spotting bungee jumpers as far back as the 1980s. Common game animals include white-tailed deer, eastern coyote, red fox, gray fox, opossum, eastern cottontail rabbit, raccoon, gray and red squirrel, beaver, muskrat, and woodchuck or groundhog. [20], The first human settlement along the Paulins Kill was by early Native Americans circa 8,00010,000 BC at the close of the last ice age (known as the Wisconsin glaciation). Thomson, who removed to Changewater in Hunterdon County, became an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and served two terms in the House of Representatives. reviews. Theyre approved for a reason, Flynn said. A rogue entrepreneur set up a horizontal pulley system, someone managed to get a car onto the viaduct, and was charging $75 per jump, he said. In addition, Phase 2 would run from Andover, New Jersey to Scranton, Pennsylvania, where the Roseville Tunnel, Paulinskill Viaduct and Delaware River Viaduct would be put into use. [15], Two other possibilities for the naming of the Paulins Kill are more likely. 40.9480, -75.0613. Trees that add to the beauty of the fall foliage include maple, birch, hickory, elm, and crab apple. Post this also under r/trains . This is a treasure and it needs to be kept up, not left to fall into disrepair, Starrs said. The Paulinskill Viaduct, also known as the Hainesburg Viaduct, is a reinforced concrete railroad bridge that crosses the Paulins Kill in Knowlton Township, New Jersey. Your Rating. Some important structures along the route include the Roseville Tunnel, Paulinskill Viaduct, and Delaware River Viaduct. This page was last edited on 28 April 2022, at 12:34. Marcella Walgren, Bungee Jumping from the Paulinskill Viaduct, One time we were having a party under the second trestle, right next to the river. [1] It flows southwest for the rest of its journey, through Hampton and Stillwater townships in Sussex County. The tracks were removed in 1982 and the Viaduct abandoned. Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Areas along the Paulins Kill generally were not settled until the 1740s and 1750s. Tim, I lived in the Blairstown area for 20 years and belonged to the Local Rescue Squad and have climbed through the maze of tunnels and caverns in the Paulinskill Viaduct. There used to be rail service here, but a general lack of attention and investments in railroads nationwide in the 1970s and 1980s brought it to an end the culminated with the unfortunate removal of trackage by Conrail in 1984. The train itself remains a distant memory, even if the Paulinskill Viaduct - aside from the graffiti - looks much as it did from more than a century ago. An eastbound freight train crossing the Paulinskill Viaduct en route to Hoboken in March 1952.John Treen, from the collection of Mike Del Vecchio / Tri-State Railway Historical Society. Columbia, a hamlet near the mouth of the Paulins Kill in Knowlton Township, was known for a large glass manufacturing factory. Common game birds include ring-necked pheasant, eastern wild turkey, American crow, and Canada goose. This is on top of the Amtrak California Zephyr service to multiple ski destinations stretching from Denver, Colorado to Lake Tahoe, California. Upcoming projects that are to be done like the Pocono Springs Entertainment Village, along with current venues like Kalahari, Camelback Mountain, Great Wolf Lodge and Jack Frost Ski Resort need additional guests. The time spent on the road by such long commutes by thousands of fellow Pennsylvanians and New Jerseyans from Lackawanna, to Monroe, to Warren, and other neighboring counties like Northampton, and Sussex Counties. This route could very well be one of NJTransits most scenic and historic routes. In 1.1 miles the trail arrives at the massive Paulinskill Viaduct, also known as the Hainesburg Trestle. The train line went out of service in 1979, the railroad tracks were torn up in 1985 and the Viaduct was abandoned. The preceding article is an excerpt from Weird NJ magazine, Your Travel Guide to New Jerseys Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets, which is available on newsstands throughout the state and on the web at www.WeirdNJ.com. Local tradition does place an Indian village named Pahaquarra near the mouth of the Paulins Kill which is immediately south of the Delaware Water Gap. It's a landmark. The rest of the time, its a hidden treasure. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. 0 references. There are a bunch of Satanic symbols all over it. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. reviews. However it's also the home of some incredible street art; Graffiti. Our fire and rescue has responded multiple times to people who got stuck up there, Starrs said. Several of these Hessians are alleged to have deserted the British and taken up residence in Stillwater because of the village's predominantly German emigrant population. Youre not supposed to go up there, but people do it all the time, said Rene Mathez, whose home is about a quarter-mile from the 110-year-old span. Continue reading , They say that at one time a farmer killed his entire family, then went to the tree to hang himself. Opened December 24 1911. The Paulinskill Viaduct has been a bridge to nowhere since 1978, when the last train rumbled across this majestic crossing 115 feet above the river. The headwaters start near Route 622 in Fredon Township. The viaduct was taken out of service in 1978 and has since become a decaying and abandoned structure. However, this projectcontroversial from the start because of environmental concerns and the federal government's abuse of eminent domainwas canceled during the 1970s. [52], Birdwatchers have sighted a variety of common and endangered species of birds that inhabit New Jersey. Many had trekked north through the valley of the Delaware and settled along the Musconetcong, Pequest and Paulins Kill valleys in New Jersey and along the Lehigh River valley in Pennsylvania. The Paulins Kill drains an area of 177 square miles (460km, This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties, Labelled "Tockhockonetkunk or Pawlings Kill" on an untitled map of Jonathan Hampton (1758) in the collection of the New Jersey Historical Society, Newark, New Jersey; also. Paulinskill Viaduct 3.5 5 #6 of 6 things to do in Columbia Bridges Write a review About Suggested duration < 1 hour Suggest edits to improve what we show. At the time of its construction, the bridge was the largest reinforced concrete railroad bridge ever built. First, that the wife of one of the area's first settlers, Johan Peter Bernhardt (died 1748), was named Maria Paulina and that she had died prior to the first settlement at Stillwater in 1742. [60], The Paulins Kill watershed is home to a variety of other animals. In 1979, the train line went out of service and by 1985, the property was entirely abandoned. Fortunately, he was alive. The 1,100-foot-long, 115-foot-tall seven arch span was built by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in 1910. 4 5. Its a constant, ongoing problem to get the graffiti off, Starrs said. Officials installed fencing making it difficult to toss anything off the viaduct in that area, he said. We leaped into the water and pulled the guy out. New Jersey Public Interest Research Group, Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad, USGS National Water Information System: Web Interface - Real-Time Data for New Jersey: Streamflow, Landscape Classification for the Hudson Valley Section of New Jersey, History of Sussex and Warren Counties, New Jersey, With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, The early Germans of New Jersey: Their History, Churches, and Genealogies. The 1,100-foot-long, 115-foot-tall seven arch span was built by the. [63] The Appalachian Trail follows the top of Kittatinny Ridge at the northern edge of the valley. Vtg 1943 Wayland, New York RR Railroad Accident photo Train Wreck Lackawanna: $225.00. The castle has been . [55], New Jersey's Green Acres program has targeted the Paulins Kill and its surrounding valley as an excellent natural resources for open space and farmland preservation and recreational opportunities. The service was mixed between passenger and freight throughout the years, however for its remaining years, only freight was running through the corridor. It is time to restore the Lackawanna Cutoff Rail Service. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. NJ DEP Attains Settlement Over Water Pollution Violations affecting Paulinskill River, Defend New Jersey's Waters Release List of Top 30 Waterways To Save, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Division of Fish and Wildlife: Amphibians of New Jersey, History and Heritage of Civil Engineering: "Tunkhannock Viaduct", Weird New Jersey Magazine, 2001 Weekly Story Archives, "Trout Fishing in New Jersey - The Good 'Ole Days are Now! The tracks were removed in 1982 and the Viaduct abandoned. Thats nothing compared to bungee-jumping, which Mathez said was popular for a time about a decade or two ago. In an era before interstates, and before automobiles were common, everyone traveled by rail. Theyre approved for a reason, Flynn said. The 1,100-foot-long, 115-foot-tall seven arch span was built by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in 1910. Mike Del Vecchio, president of the Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Inc., hasnt given up on fully restoring the Lackawanna Cutoff. After thirty minutes of watching them, we heard a splash. Ever since that time strange ghostly occurrences have been reported surrounding Kendall Hall. 47 bridge that leads into the Wildwoods, a popular south Jersey beach destination and home to Morey's Piers. The Paulinskill Viaduct, which was completed in 1910, was once the world's largest reinforced concrete structure. It flows north from its source near Newton, and then turns southwest. 2 stars. The E-L in turn operated the Cut-Off until 1976 when the railroad was conveyed into Conrail,[3] which ran trains until 1979, abandoned the line in 1982, and removed the tracks in 1984. There was always this feeling that someone else was in there, watching us. Islander lasted a few years before closing up; it was left abandoned and is now home to some trailers and the reminants of the park . Home United States Pennsylvania Monroe County Tourist attraction Paulinskill Viaduct. Privacy Policy. Explore. This doesnt even include the rest of Monroe County plus neighboring Lackawanna and Northampton counties. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. In 2016, it took a lengthy rescue to free a 20-year-old women who fell down a manhole cover and injured her ankle. For at least two decades, there has been talk of reviving rail service along the Lackawanna Cutoff, which ran for 28 miles between Roxbury in Morris County and Slateford, Pennsylvania, and utilized the viaduct. His property covers 50 acres on both sides of the Paulins Kill River (the river uses a different spelling than the viaduct). Then somebody was hurt pretty badly and the police put a stop to it," Mathez said. At one time, it was the world's largest reinforced concrete structure. Kill is a Dutch word for "stream". Cookie Notice [37], The New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG) has ranked the Paulins Kill as the seventh in a collection of rivers and creeks in a Top 30 listing of New Jersey waterways to Save[38] The Paulins Kill is home to a wide variety of amphibians, including the spotted salamander, red-spotted newt, American toad, Fowler's toad, American bullfrog and others. No one seems to know what, if anything, the future might hold for the viaduct, which for a time was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. The railbed on top provides a breathtaking view of the valley for miles around. [40], Near Columbia, the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad built the Paulinskill Viaduct (known also as the Hainesburg Viaduct), a bridge crossing the Paulins Kill, for the Lackawanna Cut-Off rail corridor. For more information, please see our Learn how and when to remove this template message, Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, "This N.J. rail bridge is beloved by many, but nobody knows what to do with it", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paulinskill_Viaduct&oldid=1105528919, Still extant (railroad tracks removed in 1984), This page was last edited on 20 August 2022, at 17:36. Summer cottages were built to attract vacationers from nearby New York City. This allows the explorer to actually travel through the inside of the structure. Need A Guide For Exploring Paulinskill Viaduct Trail(Can Compensate) Because I want to compile a case to make it a protected NJ Historical Landmark on the basis of feats of engineering, record of largest concrete structure when built, and the rest of the Lackawanna Line's Oddities Too Hikers, ATV riders, climbers, graffiti artists - even bungee-jumpers - have been spotted over the years. Wikimedia import URL. Mike Del Vecchio, president of the Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Inc., said last year that he hasnt given up on fully restoring the Lackawanna Cutoff. It just passes our land. Building began in 1908 and by the time the structure was completed, it was considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. That seems to have abated, Mathez said. It's also known as the Hainesburg Trestle. The assumption is that the name Paulins Kill was derived from "Pauline's Kill". Neither do we. A fantastic 7x9 inch vintage photo from 1943 depicting Locomotives of a Delaware, Lackawanna and Western RailroadINVESTIGATION OPENS TODAY INTO CAUSE OF RAILROAD WRECK.BODIES IDENTIFIED.Wayland (AP) -- Twenty-two of the 27 persons who lost their lives in the wreck of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western\'s . 0 references. Other mammals include eastern chipmunk, porcupine, black bear, striped skunk, river otter, and bobcat. Spanning 1,100feet (335m) across the Paulins Kill Valley, the Viaduct rises 115feet (35m) above the valley floor, and opened for rail traffic in 1911. Murdered Music Major Haunts College of NJ (Trenton State) It was on September 4, 1977, that an aspiring young music major was brutally murdered while practicing piano in an empty auditorium at The College of New Jersey (then known as Trenton State College). The most elevating feature of the Viaduct is that on top of the arches, beneath the rail bed, are a series of step ladders. Trout are stocked each year during the spring fishing season by New Jersey's Division of Fish & Wildlife. and our There is a huge need to fill in the railroad void for this region. Schaeffer, Casper M.D. The haunted location got its name from a legend that says revolutionaries gather intel by getting the Redcoats . The cutoff also opens up opportunities for people to access the area for a ski getaway, especially in snow-rich seasons like 2021, or other recreational activities like hiking, kayaking or white-water rafting. One should have the right to cut down on the carbon emissions they emit by having the comfort and convenience to park their cars at one of the stations on the cutoff whether that be Andover, Blairstown, Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg, Analomink, Pocono Mountain, Tobyhanna or Scranton and commute to and from New York City/North Jersey. Each of the towers between the arches are hollow, with cavernous graffiti scrawled rooms inside. Jeff Flynn said in 2019 that troopers respond both to complaints and do periodic checks of unattended cars in the area. The Paulinskill Viaduct has been a bridge to nowhere since 1978, when the last train rumbled across this majestic crossing 115 feet above the river. It was the largest trestle of its type in the world for years, until a larger one was built in Pennsylvania. paulinskill-viaduct-2. We would tell people that, aside from it being illegal to go back there, its not deemed a safe area to hike, Flynn said. A highway could have connected Routes 280 and 78. [28], Chiefly a pastoral river in a largely undeveloped area of New Jersey, the Paulins Kill has remained generally unaffected by industrial pollution. Mostly its kids with motor bikes, he said when asked what he typically sees up there. 1. DOT spokesperson Mairin Bellack, in an email, reiterated that public access is strictly prohibited.. Not because of the train itself. Aerial view of the 111-year-old Paulinskill Viaduct. GROSSINGER'S CATSKILL RESORT HOTEL, NEW YORK.This might be one of the coolest abandoned spots in America. When completed in 1910, it was the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world. Along the shore of the Sandy Hook Bay lies a white wooden building that has stood since the mid-1600s. To this day, the murder is unsolved. Rail lines were like todays interstates, he said, adding that restoring the Lackawanna Cutoff would especially benefit commuters from eastern Pennsylvania seeking an alternative to driving on Route 80. Unfortunately the Paulinskill Viaduct is now closed to the public. [51] Along Kittatinny Ridge in the northern part of the watershed are parts of Worthington State Forest (west), Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (central), and Stokes State Forests (east). Read More Unknown New Jersey stories like this: Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Sign up with Facebook or Sign up with email Shop Create Sell Wall Art All Wall Art Framed Prints Canvas Prints Art Prints Posters Metal Prints Acrylic Prints Wood Prints Tapestries Paintings Photographs Illustrations Digital Art Mixed Media The spot is marked in one of the arches. Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, John Treen, from the collection of Mike Del Vecchio / Tri-State Railway Historical Society, News never stops. Bristol Qian, of Tobyhanna Township, is a member of Lackawanna Cutoff Historical Committee, a moderator of the American Rail Club and a Northampton Community College alumni. Jul 13, 2018 - Discover Paulinskill Viaduct in Columbia, New Jersey: Once the world's largest reinforced concrete structure, this abandoned bridge now beckons urban explorers. The surrounding area is used for hiking and other forms of recreation such as observing birds and other wildlife. Begun in 1908, this bridge was deemed an engineering marvel for its use of reinforced concrete. Newark hoped to use the bed for a water pipeline connecting to the proposed dam and reservoir project on the Delaware River.