Victory Bridge

DESCRIPTION:
Demolished 2004-05

The significance and prominence of this majestic structure, whose swinging truss span creates a powerful image for traffic on both the river and the adjacent highways, is emphasized by a review of the written and visual documentation. Victory Bridge is both the largest, operating, swing span vehicular bridge in New Jersey and the last example of swing bridge technology constructed in New Jersey. Extensive documentation exists detailing the decision to build a swing bridge rather than a high level fixed bridge to accommodate shipping on the Raritan River. In reporting on the construction of this bridge, with its 1,534 feet of deck plate girder spans and 365-foot long swing span, Clarence W. Hudson, supervising Engineer, described he Victory Bridge as “substantial, good looking and adequate for its service.” The bridge clearly retains the integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.

The significance of the Victory Bridge to the history of New Jersey, the transportation system, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s predecessor, the State Highway System, must not be underestimated. Until the completion of the Thomas Edison Bridge in 1939, the Victory Bridge served as the sole north—south crossing of the Raritan River on the eastern side of the state and carried all of the automobile traffic for what are the present-day routes 9, 34, and 35.

Spans Raritan River, the swing span steel bridge, 1926
Will be demolished; recorded HAER Level 2 and videotape to capture the bridge in motion as it opens and closes.

Victory Bridge has received Section 106 review and is scheduled for replacement. 01/04 NJDOT began construction of the replacement bridge in Dec 2002 and is aiming to complete the project in Dec 2005.

CONTACT:
Andrea Tingey
PO Box 404
Trenton, NJ 08625
andrea.tingey@dep.state.nj.us