In Old Bridge, New Jersey, residents are flocking to the drained Oak Ridge Reservoir to catch a rare and haunting sight: a “ghost bridge” that has reappeared after the water level dropped. The three-arched stone bridge, which has remained submerged for years, is now visible again, offering a glimpse into the past and sparking curiosity among locals and history enthusiasts alike.
The bridge is located in the northern part of New Jersey, in the Oak Ridge Reservoir, one of several bodies of water that provide drinking water to the city of Newark. The structure, which dates back to the 19th century, was part of a once-thriving village that was submerged when the reservoir was created in the early 1900s. As the water levels recede—whether due to drought or planned draining—the “ghost bridge” emerges from its watery grave, revealing the remnants of a long-lost settlement that had been forgotten by most of the modern world.
The bridge’s appearance has become a local phenomenon, drawing crowds of people eager to see the unusual sight. The stone structure, which features three distinct arches, is a striking reminder of the village that once stood in the area. For many, it’s a symbolic return of a piece of history that had been hidden beneath the water for generations.
The story behind the ghost bridge is tied to the history of the reservoir itself. In the early 1900s, the Oak Ridge Reservoir was created as part of a project to expand Newark’s water supply. As the reservoir was built, several nearby communities—including the village of Oak Ridge—were displaced, and their homes, roads, and infrastructure were flooded. Over time, much of this history faded into obscurity, with the submerged remnants of the village remaining hidden from view.
Now, with the water levels low enough to reveal the ghost bridge, the past has resurfaced, sparking renewed interest in the area’s history. While it’s unclear whether the village and its structures will ever be fully excavated or preserved, the bridge offers a rare and fleeting opportunity to connect with the region’s forgotten past. For those who are lucky enough to witness its appearance, the ghost bridge is a powerful reminder of how the landscape—and the stories it holds—can be shaped by human progress and the passage of time.
The mysterious and fascinating historical attraction has emerged as the water levels of the Oak Ridge Reservoir recede. Dubbed the “Ghost Bridge,” the three-arched stone structure is capturing the attention of residents and visitors alike as it reappears after being submerged for decades. This rare sight has become a local sensation, drawing people from all around to glimpse what is being called a “ghostly” remnant of the past.
The bridge, which is located in the Oak Ridge Reservoir in the town of Old Bridge, is visible only when the water level in the reservoir drops significantly. The structure, dating back to the late 1800s, was part of a village that once thrived in the area but was lost to history when the reservoir was created in the early 1900s. The reservoir, a key water supply for the city of Newark, was constructed by flooding the surrounding land, including the village of Oak Ridge. As a result, many of the area’s buildings, streets, and infrastructure were submerged—until now.
The “Ghost Bridge” appears as a haunting, yet strikingly beautiful, three-arched stone structure rising from the shallow waters of the reservoir. The bridge itself is a testament to the forgotten village that once existed there, and its sudden reappearance has captured the imaginations of New Jersey residents, who are now visiting the site to catch a glimpse of this rare historical landmark.
For those who visit, the bridge offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past and explore the lost history of the area. The “ghostly” nature of the bridge is what makes it so captivating—appearing only when the water levels drop due to drought or scheduled draining. Its reemergence invites reflection on the changes in the landscape caused by human progress, while also sparking curiosity about the village that was once home to families and community life.
While the bridge is an intriguing attraction, it’s also a poignant reminder of how history can be hidden beneath the surface. As the water level rises again, the bridge will likely disappear from view, becoming a submerged relic once more—until the next time it reappears.
For now, the “Ghost Bridge” in the Oak Ridge Reservoir offers a fleeting, yet fascinating, window into the past, attracting those who are eager to witness a moment of New Jersey history brought back to life.
