In the back woods of Northern New Jersey their lurks a huge expanse of bridge known as the Hainesburg Viaduct, but more commonly refereed to as the Paulinskill Viaduct. Such a structure so big you think would be noticeable at far distances, but the Viaduct is almost invisible until you are standing right underneath it. The Viaduct itself was built in 1905 purely with reinforced concrete and opened on December 24 1911. The viaduct was used a railway line for the Lackawanna and Western Railway all the way up until about 1980. The viaduct was then closed down and the tracks removed in 1984. Ever since 1985 the huge bridge has been sitting abandoned only to be explored by people like me. Throughout the bridges 7 arches their are ladder systems that you can crawl threw. All of these archways are heavily vandalized with graffiti and broken glass by late night partyers. If you brave up enough courage it is entirely possible to crawl through all seven arches to the other side of the viaduct.

The top of the viaduct ( if you can manage to get up their) provides a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Altho the tracks have long since been removed, you can still walk along the viaduct. At certain times of the year even bungie jumpers can be seen jumping from the bridge. But sadly from time to time the viaduct is an attractive place for crazy people to meet their death. The viaduct has been the last resting spot to more than its fair share of suicide jumpers. There have been fences up to prohibit such activities, but that really doesn't stop much. The viaduct is just as dangerous is it is huge. First off many of the railings having fallen off making it easy to accidentally fall to you death. Also when crawling through the bridge many of the metal ladders have rusted and have become un-weight bearing. But regardless of the dangers people like me and you will continue to explore the Paulinskill Viaduct for future generations. Most recently I have heard rumor that the viaduct might be reopened as a commuter railway line, as the bridge is structurally sound enough to support the weight of a train.

Paulinskill Viaduct Facts

• Total Length 1,100 feet.
• Height from ground 115 feet.
• Opened December 24 1911.
• Internal Chambers once used for bridge inspection and maitnence.
• In 1910-11 it was the worlds largest Concrete Structure.
• Crossed Paulin Skill River
• It was surpassed by size in late 1911 by the Tunkannock Viaduct in PA.