For history buffs and curious travelers, northern New Jersey has offered a rare glimpse into its past with the reemergence of the so-called “Ghost Bridge,” a 19th-century stone arch bridge long hidden beneath the waters of the Oak Ridge Reservoir. Known for its mysterious name, the bridge’s sudden visibility has sparked intrigue, photography, and a renewed appreciation for the state’s industrial and transportation heritage.
A bridge emerges from the depths
The bridge became fully visible in November 2024, not as a result of drought conditions but because reservoir officials deliberately lowered the water level to perform maintenance and upgrades on the dam and gatehouse.
Once the work is completed, the reservoir will be refilled, and the bridge will once again vanish beneath the water, preserving its centuries-old secret.
Its sudden appearance has drawn visitors and photographers eager to witness a piece of local history that has been out of public view for more than 125 years.
Historical significance. The “Ghost Bridge” was constructed between 1806 and 1814 to carry the Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike over the Pequannock River. This stone arch bridge served horse-drawn carriages and travelers navigating the route between the villages of Oak Ridge and Wallace Corner. Its sturdy design, featuring three stone arches, reflected the engineering practices of the early 19th century and allowed it to survive long after the communities around it were displaced.
In the 1890s, the City of Newark purchased the surrounding land to create the Oak Ridge Reservoir, responding to the city’s growing demand for water. While most of the nearby villages were demolished to make way for the reservoir, the bridge was left in place, likely as a convenience for construction crews and engineers working on the new infrastructure. Since the reservoir’s completion around 1892, the bridge has remained submerged, surfacing only during rare water drawdowns.
A modern attraction
The bridge’s exposure has not only provided historians and photographers with a unique opportunity but has also drawn outdoor enthusiasts interested in exploring New Jersey’s hidden landmarks. Officials, however, caution that the bridge’s structural integrity is unknown, and walking on the stone arches is strongly discouraged. Accessing the bridge and surrounding watershed property requires a permit from the Newark Watershed, and trespassing can result in substantial fines.
Located along Route 23 near the intersection with Reservoir Road, the bridge is easily visible from the water’s edge during periods of low reservoir levels. Visitors are encouraged to respect the rules of the watershed while appreciating the rare glimpse into northern New Jersey’s transportation history.
The Ghost Bridge stands as a reminder of the state’s layered history, connecting the early days of the Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike with modern water management and infrastructure. Its periodic resurfacing offers a tangible connection to the past, providing residents and visitors alike with a glimpse into an era long submerged beneath the waters of Oak Ridge Reservoir.
Ghost Bridge: A Timeline Through History
1806–1814 | Construction Era
- Built to carry the Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike over the Pequannock River.
- Three stone arches constructed using locally quarried stone, reflecting early 19th-century engineering practices.
1890s | Submersion Begins
- City of Newark acquires surrounding villages to create Oak Ridge Reservoir.
- Bridge left intact during reservoir construction; surrounding villages demolished.
- Water level rises, fully submerging the bridge by 1892.
Mid-20th Century | Rare Sightings
- Occasionally exposed during significant reservoir drawdowns for maintenance.
- Largely forgotten by the public, but documented by engineers and historians.
November 2024 | Modern Reappearance
- Reservoir deliberately lowered for dam and gatehouse maintenance.
- Ghost Bridge emerges fully for the first time in over a century.
- Sparks local interest, photography, and social media coverage.
2025 and Beyond | Temporary Resurfacing
- Bridge remains exposed during maintenance; visitors can view from the water’s edge with proper permits.
- Once reservoir refilling is complete, the bridge will return beneath the waters until the next drawdown.
Historical Significance
- A tangible reminder of northern New Jersey’s early transportation routes and engineering feats.
- Connects the horse-and-buggy era with modern water management infrastructure.
Visitor Tips
- Visible near Route 23, at Reservoir Road intersection.
- Walking on the bridge is prohibited; structural safety is unknown.
- Permits required for access to surrounding watershed land.
For more information on New Jersey’s historic landmarks, hidden attractions, and cultural heritage, visit Explore New Jersey Art & Culture for guides, features, and detailed explorations of the state’s rich history.
