The Ghost Bridge of Oak Ridge Reservoir

The ghost bridge is visible in the lower left portion of the photo. The current highway (Rt 23) is higher and closer to the bridge, than the dirt road here. Taken around 1900. unknown

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In the 1890s, a new reservoir was built in New Jersey to supply the growing population of Newark with fresh water. Unfortunately, the village of Oak Ridge was located right where the planned reservoir was set to go. The small town was vacated, and most of its buildings torn down. But a stone bridge that connected the village to the main road was left in place so it could be used during the construction of the dam. Once the reservoir filled it, it would be covered by the water.

The bridge remains there to this day. From time to time, when there’s a stretch of drought, the bridge shows itself. You can see it right from Route 23.

Know Before You Go

You can see the bridge right off the south side of Route 23 in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. But only when there's a significant drought to lower the water level enough.