Exploring An Old Abandoned Railroad Line In Central New Jersey
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- This is a video Imade of the abandoned New Jersey Seashore railroad that a train has not run over these tracks in over 30 years but in some areas crossing signals were installed thinking it was going to come back and it hasn't
Awesome video! I have done research on this line before, and a shortline company called New Jersey Seashore Lines (sister company of Cape May Seashore Lines) is "trying" to rebuild the line to serve a sand mine in Clayton, NJ. The crossing signals have been there for a couple years, but the trains have yet to come, although a high rail occasionally runs along the line. I do think its stupid that they upgraded the crossings before the trains even come, especially that crossing at Route 539, which doesnt even have ties on the rails nor is it connected to the rest of the track.
I'm taking a guess that they needed the permission of some government agency to even begin a project to restore/re-open the line, and that government agency, in their infinite wisdom, made them put in new crossing signals first.
I know it's been 5 years now, I wonder if anything finally happened with that line?
oh, I see the wikipedia article says they used "state and federal grants" to rehabilitate some of the line. As is the nature of such money, it may have been earmarked for specific uses, or required certain work be completed before the grant would be funded.
@@davej3781 The Deep State costs, man. Big costs.
Lawyers. My sister was one.
I think that the crossings are maintained to hold onto the right of way
Nice find Alan! Love to see old tracks getting new life!
The thieves that stole the rail for scrap were caught and prosecuted. The rails were supposed to be replaced but it's past the Clayton quarry so I guess it didn't matter. The new signals and crossings in Whiting were required to keep the railway from being called abandoned and still a possible asset for the quarry in the future. The signal equipment is brand new but not activated. The crossing barrier arms are removed from the machines. The crossing is marked exempt so school buses and gas trucks don't have to stop. Back in the 1970s I remember sand trains using this branch that came from somewhere below the Rt 72 bridge towards Chatsworth. They carried silica sand which is a fine white sand from the pine barrens used for glass making. Wherever the train would stop there would be little piles of this sand that had leaked from the hopper cars. It was great for use in a sand blaster because it was clean and washed. I lived on Rt 72 at the time and remember the sound of the horns. Now I live in Whiting and wish the trains were running again. Maybe it would also get some of those damn dump trucks off the road!
I'm glad the thieves were prosecuted
Greetings from Northeast California. I enjoyed watching this video on my phone. I liked it so much that I rushed to my computer so I could give you a thumbs-up and write to you. For 3 years we lived in Bradley Beach and South Belmar. When my wife died suddenly it was a local club of rail fans who took me under their wings to console me and give me some understanding friends. I have never forgotten them. That was 1997. On to other things now. BIG compliments to you for your tracing out that abandoned rail line, and the research you did. I appreciated your narration with the right amount of facts and figures. It was very interesting, including towns, state, highway numbers, the things you showed (complete rails and missing rails, trees growing in the rails,) and at the end, even the date. Here in the West we have a lot of abandoned rails. In my town they took up the tracks on both sides of town, but left some rails in town for our annual hand car races. And they left us a caboose on a short siding. We thought that was very accommodating. I just found you a couple of hours ago, so I haven't checked yet. But I hope you will make more rail videos. Oh... I have been back home in California for a long time, but just last month (10-15) I got married again. And she likes trains too.
+Michael Dougfir Very cool thanks for posting the story
Millenniumforce Sorry if I'm late. In this video, what were you doing all the way in New Jersey?
It is where I was born and raised I visit a couple times a year my next visit is mid April.
Millenniumforce When did you move to Florida?
in 1996
The CNJ called this line the Southern Secondary and ran the Blue Comet from Jersey City to Atlantic City from 1930-1941 They would join the A.C. Seashore line at Winslow Jct. I think the Central ran sand trains on it til the early 80s. If the transportation trust fund is ever stabilized, there will be passenger service to Lakewood . I've seen that Manchester crossing going to/from a local restaurant called Gregory's. Kind of a dive, bht great seafood. Enjoyed the video and hope you do more of these historical vids. Last, but not least: I hope yojr recovery is progressing Sorry for the long post, everyone.
The old telegraph booth along with the signal tower is really a find! Quite a piece of history there. Good job!
Great video. That looked like a fun adventure....
Great video and nicely edited. I like finding old railroad rights-of-way around here, but they usually don't still have track on them. And especially not brand new crossing signals.
Abandoned railroad tracks are the best!
Abandenden railroad tracks are my favorite to
i realize Im kinda randomly asking but does anyone know a good website to stream new movies online ?
@Mario Princeton Flixportal :D
@Terrell Antonio Thank you, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I really appreciate it!!
@Mario Princeton You are welcome :D
It's a great thought provoking video. A crying shame to see such old track simply be taken over by nature.
The reason for the upgraded crossing , not sure when but both NJ and NY agree to fund a new train tunnel under the Hudson River. the New signal crossing and other upgrades were to be used to bring sand in for the tunnel. The rail line would pick up sand at the sand mine that's between RT 72 and County road 539 on Woodmansie Road. But later on Gov Christie cancel the project in 2010.
This section of railroad is owned by Clayton Sand Company. They were going to restore rail service to their quarry to ship out large quantities of sand but that was in the early 2000's.The State of NJ installed grade crossing equipment on a unfulfilled commitment to restore the track and service
From the bridge over Highway 72, the abandoned line proceeds southwestward, often barely discernible from above, approximately 21.5 miles to the community of Winslow, just outside of Hammonton, where an abandoned bridge crosses Highway 30 there. About 1.5 miles further SW, the line picks up again as the northern terminus of the Southern Railroad of New Jersey at Winslow Junction. There you'll find abandoned passenger equipment and locomotives, including F7's, a U18B, an M420W, and a GE 44-tonner.
That was fun Alan, Thanks Very neat. Johnny B
You can still find sections with the railroad crossing signs as well electric and tool shacks still sitting there along a few switches still intact. What became became the Central Railroad of New Jersey was originally numerous separate railways that went bankrupt. Portions of the Central Railroad of New Jersey were eventually absorbed into Contrail or abandoned and just left to nature to reclaim.
In 1973 I went to a camp in Whiting NJ where the tracks ran right in front of the camp. A frieght train came thru once a day.
1:25 I actually recognize that bridge. About 7 years ago, I dated someone who lived in Manahawkin and 72 was one of the routes I took. Who knows? Maybe that RR might be fully restored someday. But I do agree, new signals, but (practically) no line, is weird.
That was awesome! Happy railroading!!!!!
Nice video!!! I know I'm late but, CONGRATS ON 40K SUBS!!!
he had like 100k before, so.. congrats on the drop?
Awesome video! That was cool when the cars honked at you guys
If you follow that line from Manchester Township about six miles north, you should have seen some centerbeams in a lumber facility on a side track. So I think that the line will be extended to serve some more industries.
Another interesting video Alan. I live in the UK, so it's nice to see stuff on your side of the pond. Keep up the good work and watch out for those pesky speeders! lol
For anyone that wants to know, this overpass is just east of Chatsworth Burlington County NJ. It's the only overpass on Rt. 72 between the Rt. 70/ Rt. 72 circle and the intersection where Rt. 72 meets Rt. 539. Most of the tracks between Hammonton and Lakehurst have been ripped out, but there might be a few places in the deep woods where they are still in place.
So cool!!! That one pair of gates said no stopping on tracks, but there are no trains! Strange.
they are planning of making that section of track a detour and a local freight and passenger/train ride service. but as you said, the plan was put on hold.
@6:00 into the video you show an abandoned rail line with seemingly new and well maintained crossing signals. I believe somewhere in the plethora of Federal Regulations there's a requirement that all at-grade railway crossings whether the rail line is used, not used or abandoned, must be signalized (heavily traveled roadway) or cross-bucked for lower traffic volumes. That is probably to ensure that drivers treat ALL grade crossings with the same respect (even though we know they don't).
Really? Heh, that's a bit weird.
...
Our taxes hard at work! X'DDD
There are no requirements as far as I am aware that grade crossings require any sort of signage if the line is abandoned. It is an extremely rare event for a railroad to go through and remove all of their crossing equipment after abandoning or mothballing a line because it's not worth the money and if they plan to re-open the line the old equipment may suffice. In this case, the crossings look "well maintained" because they are brand new due to the line being re-opened. The were one of the first phases of restoration because they easily accessible.
Grade crossings must be maintained or if the line is abandoned, all of the equipment (signs, signals and tracks) must be removed. This is intended to keep drivers from being complacent at an otherwise seldom used crossing. Michigan requires this and I presume all other states have the same requirement.
Per P.A. 354 of 1993 (MCL 462.307 of the Railroad Code of 1993)
RR crossings are maintained by the railroads. No tax $$$ spent.
True, but the government does pay the bulk of the cost if not all of it for the initial installation of crossings so that does come from tax dollars.
There's a video here on UA-cam called "The Hard Coal Roads -- what went wrong". It's a short trailer for a longer video for sale by the distributor. At about 1:48 into the UA-cam video, the now-abandoned line in this video is pointed out on a map, followed by a clip of a trio of Central of New Jersey RS3's pulling a manifest on that line through Winslow Junction.
Awesome video! I bet those signals have never been used. Seems like a waste of money and material. I hope they restore the railroad soon.
+maxrailroad Actually it also seems a waste that the Salem-Woodstown-Swedesboro line owned by Salem County government (but run by SRNJ) had upgraded some stretches of track with fresh rail, ties and ballast last year. But now that line seems to be used less and less this year as last year the glass plant in Salem closed, and local residents I've spoken to say they hardly ever see/hear the train.
maxrailroad Hey Max you might remember me. I live about a mile away from this. It's my favorite place to go.
I would say, it makes sense, that there is (was) plans to revive that abandoned alignment... seeing as there was a fresh pile of bedrock behind you... the new signal boxes, the rebuilt tress... obviously there (was) plans to reopen at least a portion of that alignment...
Railroad archaeology...love it. You need to keep an eye out for tie date nails. It's also interest and informative to read the date on the side of rails.
The railroad WOULD take a couple rails out ( at 2:30), That's what they have to do to avoid paying Property Tax on the track... (call it a tax loophole)...
Thanks James! I now know why a crossing of an unused spur of this line at route 37 in Toms River has a big EXEMPT sign on it - to make sure the tax police don't arrest the track!
Yes this is the old track the Blue comet ran on. it is being rehabbed to Woodmanse for use by Clayton to ship sand from their sand mine. The track work is being done by crews from the Seacoast line in ReoGrand. About two miles south of the rail overpass shown at the beginning of this film is Chatsworth, the site of the Blue Comet wreck.
Great Video Alan Me & a Buddy of Mine Was Chasing The SA31 Down to Lakewood The Same Time You Made This Video!
The opening was super funny!!! Nice job!
How ironic I was in Oregon over the summer and had the same crossing mystery and I still really don't know why, but now I may have a lead, great vid!!!
with that section of rail missing, that would indicate a "train" is there with a track circuit out, such is not the case, so therefore the crossing gates are not tote tally working.
The track renovating crew has moved on to another RR in North Jersey, and they didn't say if/when they'll be back. I live in Manchester Twp. next to the CNJ Barnegat Branch, so I've been keeping an eye on this project for quite a while. I like your videos, and jawtooth's, too.
LOVE THIS VIDEO!! If you follow Savoy blvd North (along the track) towards Woodmansie, that's where Clayton sand plant is, and they'd started clearing the undergrowth in anticipation of reactivation in the near future. But the fact that some rail is missing at CR 539/ Lacey rd in Whiting indicates that the rehab process is not well planned out. (Since trains would have to come from Lakewood, to the North)
Looks like there are or were plans to plant new track.
There are some abandoned lines around my area.. One is along Hwy 167 from the Hwy 15 junction near Spearsville La. on up in to El Dorado Ak.
Another is along the north side of IH-20 from Minden, La. into Bossier City, La
there are 35-40 abandoned railroads in southern Arkansas....not spurs but FULL railroads
This would make a great rails to trails project
terrible. commuter rail should be restored.
That was really cool , thank you for the video.
When I was a kid, I would walk on old rail tracks looking for those colorful glass telegraph insulators even today I might find 1 or 2.
I followed this line on Google Earth one time wondering what it was, thanks for making a video on it!
This rail line was the original Blue comet line but then closed after a derailment. Today there are still some cars left from the train...
new ties now on both sides of Route 539 grade crossing and now starting in whiting at route 530 crossing. In addition replacement of ties in lakehurst has begun at Union Ave
It Is possible for a train to run on the track because there was a track that was abandoned for 20 years and the Wheeling&Lake Erie railroad uses the track now,so maybe they're trying to refurbish it for a short line railroad to operate.
that's still a high-quality updated crossing gate location it can be relocated if the line is never restored put it in a location out in the country somewhere for their school buses crossing that's always the number one priority at the school bus cost crosses the railroad tracks x number one priority
I think the answer to your question is that sand from woodmansie gravel pit was to be used for the tunnel that was canceled by da gov the pit is between rt 72 bridge and town of whiting east of right of way sand from there was also used for Newark airport conrail derailed there in 1988 hope this helps railroad rich
I think there are a couple lines in Maryland. I know one abandoned line was turned into Baltimore's Light Rail system in 1992
I used to live in Manchester N.J. There were RailRoad tracks that were in the woods off Rte 37 And I only saw about 2 trains on the tracks the year I lived there back in 2000, Not sure where they went,But the crossing and tracks on Rte 37 by the WalMart were blocked with trees and I never saw a train cross there. They also installed tracks across the road in front of the Lakehurst Airforce base a short time after 9/11 I dont think they use them anymore either,Its been awhile since I have been down that way.POST BY RICHIE
+Shari Henry
I've lived in Mount Holly my whole life. If you look at a freeze frame of this video @ 1:37...........Going forward leads to the 70/72 circle (at the Wawa); going left leads into downtown Chatsworth by the firehouse; going right leads to downtown Manchester.
This bridge here is the ONLY overpass on Rt. 72 between Rt. 70 and the other side of the 72/539 intersection.
This section of railroad ran from just north of Hammonton to the North Jersey Coast line in Little Silver. It ran almost completely straight from Hammonton to Lakehurst and then turned a bit north.
+Shari Henry Late night MUNITIONS TRAINS one a week. No horns no signals
Those crossings are almost brand new. They have LED crossing lights and electronic bells.
They are replacing the ties at Whiting. Looks like the line is going back in service.
Can you please make a video of it?
I just read that Clayton is going to start running between Woodmansie (by Rt 72) and Lakehurst.
Did they give a date yet?
I didn't see a mention for a date, but it has already been in the works for a long time..
www.app.com/story/travel/2016/12/09/blue-comet-line-being-restored-ocean-county/95162612/
Thank you for the information
Nice and its most likely a state owned and maintained line.
This is a perfect opportunity for creating a bike/pedestrian trail to the shore! they're called rail trails...
@@XNY556-Apple Yep.
Very interesting and enjoyable
Wonder if that was the original line the the famous Blue Comet passenger train from New York to Atlantic City ran over??
Yes it was and they are restoring the line from Lakehurst to just north of the bridge over 72 I have updates coming soon.
That's great! NJTransit should connect NYC with AC and Cape May again.
When they will restoring the old railroad tracks?
No its not. That's a coastal line. This line is roughly perpendicular to that line. This could have been a connection from Lake Hurst back towards the lines that parallel the AC Expressway, it travels almost straight to Ancora where there are several junctions to other systems. The last time I saw activity on this line it was late 70's and freight only; but who knows what happened before that.
This line was NEVER part of the NY to AC route.
awesome video I love seeing things like this good job
Awesome video, I love abandoned tracks. I actually have a few abandoned tracks on my UA-cam channel as well as an entire abandoned rail yard!! Keep up the great work, love your Channel. Just subscribed
Very interesting !
nice video of the train
Thanks for your love and time!
That's pretty cool.
very cool alan. how are you doing so far and how are you feeling so far. since you have the stroke.
excellent video
This was cool to watch thanks for this
Interesting Find, Alan!
Yep, this line must be the old Blue Comet Line. This is the CNJ's Southern Secondary. The end is Winslow Junction run by the Southern Railroad of NJ. If you continued near Chatsworth you could of found the old Blue Comet wreck site.
+RaritanRiverRailroadFan4 What is there at the wreck site?
Basically some old torn up ties from the tender and coaches derailing. A large clearing in the woods where the cars were repaired and rerailed. Most importantly is a blue sign nailed to a tree which is in the exact spot where the train derailed. The blue sign is all blue except for a white train outline in the middle.
Passed this around the time you were there actually. Was vacationing in LBI
This line is also the set for an episode of Blue Bloods! Didn't know if you knew that, but yeah, same place!
Hopefully they get that line up and running again someday, and that someday you're also able to catch trains on it!
+Trainking922 Happen to know the name of the episode?
+Sky Warrior I sadly don't. I do remember seeing an episode of the show starting off with a dead body laying next to abandoned railroad tracks nearly identical to these, and the blue bloods people investigating it.
Update: It is coming back to life.
Seems to me that either one of three things is about to happen with that line, all of which means its about to become"active" once again. Either 1- A Major rail company(NS) is planning to re-open the line to service businesses along it, or 2-a short line is going to open it and take over operating trains along the line or 3-a Private railroad is going to be using the line for a Tourist line or a Short haul line to that sand mine or something at the far end. Either way it looks like the MOW crew's have been very busy with getting everything working again. Got to get the signals and crossings up first, then and only then can MOW trains and track laying equipment be run down to re-open the line. Either way it looks like that old Abandoned railroad is about to get new life!!!
You should visit the remnants of the transcontinental railroad.
I wonder whether the New Jersey Seashore Lines are hamstrung for build money? Brand-new grade crossings and a restored-to-specification bridge going into washouts on at least one end per each, many sections of this line with missing rails, even trees athwart the right-of-way. No way even a track inspection motorcar can run this line, yet.
nice video and very interesting😇
Awesome video as always!
The Line That Went From Lakehurst To Toms River, Island Heights. Seaside Heights To The East, And The Turn South To Beachwood, Bayville, Forked River, Waretown, and Barnegat. Island Heights to Ocean Gate.
Those were the days! sigh...
@@TomCheer9 I am impressed with the Fact that there were Rails running from the Seasides to the North as well.
Abandoning old rail lines puts more trucks on our highways!!
Good stuff
i was at a abandoned railroad track and i found old insulator a crowbar it was the first time there for me and there was alot of leaves covering the ground up
This is aligator is very funny Mllenniumforce. I like this vídeos. Thanks.
Damn, I live in central Jersey! I would've loved to meet you in person XD
+Benjamin “Ozias” Esposti I will be back in new jersey end of June begining of July
+Millenniumforce i live in south jersey there is alot of abandoed route ill show you if you want
+Millenniumforce Do you'd be able to get up to New Jersey intime for Occupy Bound Brook 2016?
i live in south jersey n i wanna explore this abandoned train line
nice
3:36-4:52~ (Chugga chugga CHOO CHOO!) [Train Horn blasting from underneath] HA HA HA HA SOI SOI SOI ROFL ROFL ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO WOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
The signals were installed sometime between 2009 and 2013.
I always ride my motorcycle there right on 72. I used to rode at the quad park before it shut down.
Nice video presentation, Alan & crew. Perhaps, the "pork barrel" folks in the US Government, had plans to re-start the line, re-open Fort Dix as a training Base, or have needed supplies taken by rail to McGuire A.F.B., and/or Lakehurst N.A.S. Either way it would be a nice idea, and give the community extra opportunities for extra employment.
Merry Christmas Alan, Charlotte Grayson, & Vincent Ponte, and all your subscribers and Fans!
What a waste of resources, abandoned tracks. Other countries maintained their systems and still provide service. The Whiting RR tracks were recently cleared for the Sand train, but still have not seen any action.
Maybe they're planning to fix them up and use them again maybe that's why it's connected to electricity in new crossing gates
pretty awesome
The CNJ ran the Blue Comet down that line and my guess is that since the B.C.
Coaches still exists it will be restored and be put back on that line.
Nice video I appreciate your passion keep us up to date. Possible follow up video
The story I heard was that 1) Clayton Concrete was going to reopen the line to move quarry material for the new Hudson river tunnel project to placate Ocean County's concerns about increased truck traffic, but that project is now off and 2) Federal Government had allowed the south end of the old Pemberton & Hightstown to be abandoned which isolated McGuire-Dix from the rail network and since Lakehurst has been combined with the others as a joint facility they were going to reestablish rail service on the NAS end . . . but since the main user of the facility is now the NJ guard, funds from the state were not available to finish it. How much of this is true and how much is BS I don't know.
+Timmy Cornpicker yes I heard about the same from a librarian in the area of the line
they many Abandoned Railroad where i live. all of them used to connect to Factory. they moved to TX.
there is one rail line here that had lots of work on the line new tys new bridge lots more work then thn the train stoop running up the line afte the work was done that was 20 years ago
Nice vídeo!
The easiest way to explain the new equipment is that they must plan on putting down/repairing - tracks and most likely open up the line again.
Possibility?
They have been repairing the track at the crossing on 539 in Whiting this past week..maybe the line will become active again?
+Michael Linardi I will check it out and update it. I will be in the area around the end of June.
Looks super cool where exactly is this. Would love to explore
I sure do hate that at minute 12:59 "Luke's secret" was put out there for all to see...