Lane Bridge: North Brunswick's Lifeline

The Landing Lane Bridge in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a historic two-lane bridge that spans the Raritan River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal. The bridge, which is part of County Route 609, connects Piscataway to the north with New Brunswick and Franklin Township to the south. The original structure was opened in 1895 but was replaced in 1995 with a modern metal beam design and an asphalt-covered roadway. The bridge is of particular historical significance as it was crossed by Washington's troops during the American Revolutionary War. In 2023, the bridge was closed for emergency repairs after a car crashed into the retaining wall, causing damage. A full replacement project is expected to take place in 2025, costing an estimated $4 to $5 million.

The Landing Lane Bridge is part of County Route 609

The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park and towpath can be accessed from the bridge. The current span was opened in 1895, replacing an older structure. In 1995, the entire metal grate deck and steel truss were replaced with a modern metal beam structure and an asphalt-covered roadway. The 1895 plaque from the original metal truss structure is displayed at the northern end of the bridge.

The Landing Lane Bridge is historically significant as it was crossed by Washington's troops during the American Revolutionary War. Washington ordered the bridge to be destroyed to impede the British, and it was partially destroyed before the British reached it.

The bridge is also part of the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile-long trail system connecting Maine to Florida.

The bridge spans the Raritan River and Delaware and Raritan Canal

The Landing Lane Bridge in North Brunswick, New Jersey, is a two-lane bridge that spans the Raritan River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal (D&R Canal). The bridge forms part of County Route 609 and connects Piscataway to the north with New Brunswick to the south. The approaching roads on both sides are called Landing Lane.

The D&R Canal is a canal in central New Jersey that connects the Delaware River to the Raritan River. The idea for the canal was first proposed by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, in the 1690s. The canal was built in the 1830s to provide an efficient and reliable means of transporting freight between Philadelphia and New York City. It allowed shippers to bypass the Atlantic Ocean route, cutting the journey by 100 miles.

The construction of the canal involved connecting the Delaware River near Bordentown with the Raritan River in New Brunswick. The main canal is 44 miles long, 75 feet wide, and 8 feet deep. A 22-mile-long feeder canal was also built to supply water to the main canal. This feeder canal runs from Trenton, where it joins the main canal, to Raven Rock in Delaware Township.

The Landing Lane Bridge provides access to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park and the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile-long trail system connecting Maine to Florida. The bridge has a rich history, dating back to the American Revolutionary War when Washington's troops retreated from the British and partially destroyed the bridge to impede their pursuit. The current span of the bridge was opened in 1895 and underwent a major refurbishment in 1995, replacing the metal grate deck and steel truss with a modern metal beam structure and an asphalt-covered roadway.

It connects Piscataway in the north to New Brunswick in the south

The Landing Lane Bridge is a vital transportation link in New Jersey, connecting Piscataway in the north to New Brunswick in the south. This two-lane bridge is part of County Route 609 and spans the Raritan River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal. The bridge has a rich history, dating back to the American Revolutionary War, when Washington's retreating troops crossed it before partially destroying it to impede the pursuing British forces.

The current span was officially opened in 1895, replacing an older structure. However, the bridge has undergone significant changes over the years. In 1995, the metal grate deck and steel truss were replaced with a modern metal beam structure and an asphalt roadway, providing a slightly wider passage. While the piers were refurbished, they could not be replaced due to the need for Coast Guard approval, which would have extended the project timeline. This complication also prevented the expansion of the bridge to a four-lane-wide span.

The bridge serves as an important connection for motorists and pedestrians alike. It provides access to the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park and towpath, as well as the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile-long trail system stretching from Maine to Florida. The bridge's approaching roadways on both sides are named "Landing Lane", and the original 1895 plaque from the metal truss structure is on display at its northern end.

In recent years, the Landing Lane Bridge has undergone repairs and closures. In 2021, it was temporarily closed and detoured for steel repairs, with a full reconstruction planned for the future. In late 2023, the bridge was again closed for several weeks due to repairs stemming from a vehicle crash into the retaining wall. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the bridge, with closures announced in advance to allow motorists to plan alternate routes.

The bridge is accessible from the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

The Landing Lane Bridge in North Brunswick, New Jersey, is accessible from the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. The bridge, which is part of County Route 609, spans the Raritan River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal. It connects Piscataway to the north with New Brunswick to the south.

The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is a linear park that stretches over 70 miles, making it one of central New Jersey's most popular recreational corridors. It offers a serene escape from the nearby highways and suburban communities, providing a flat, continuous path for cyclists, runners, hikers, and nature and history lovers. The park is also a valuable wildlife corridor, connecting fields and forests.

The canal and its towpath are part of the National Recreational Trail System and the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile-long trail system connecting Maine to Florida. The park's trail system was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1992.

The Delaware and Raritan Canal has a rich history, dating back to its construction in the early 19th century. Completed in 1834, the canal provided a vital transportation link between Philadelphia and New York City. Freight was once transported along this route, pulled by teams of mules or steam-powered vessels. Today, the canal system remains largely intact, with nearly 36 miles of the main canal and 22 miles of the feeder canal still existing.

The park is known for its 19th-century bridges, bridgetender houses, locks, cobblestone spillways, and hand-built stone-arched culverts. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from private concessionaires in Griggstown and Princeton to explore the canal. The Landing Lane Bridge also provides access to the historic towpath, which is popular for cross-country skiing in the winter.

The bridge was designed by George F. Blakely

The Landing Lane Bridge, which spans the Raritan River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal in New Jersey, was designed by George F. Blakely. The bridge is part of County Route 609 and connects Piscataway to the north with New Brunswick to the south. The two-lane bridge's approaching roadways on both sides are known as "Landing Lane".

Blakely was the chief engineer for the Passaic Rolling Mill Co. of Paterson, New Jersey, at the time of the bridge's construction. The Landing Lane Bridge was built by the Penn Bridge Company of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. The current span was officially opened in 1895, replacing an earlier structure. However, the entire metal grate deck and steel truss were replaced in 1995 with a modern metal beam structure and an asphalt-covered roadway. The piers supporting the bridge were only refurbished, rather than being replaced, as replacing them would have required Coast Guard approval and significantly extended the project timeline.

The Landing Lane Bridge is a representative example of late-19th-century bridge design and construction, featuring Pratt trusses and riveted connections. Portions of the stone abutments of the earlier bridge at the same location were reused in the construction of the Landing Bridge. The bridge is also historically significant as Washington's troops retreated from the British over it during the American Revolutionary War.

Frequently asked questions