Main Avenue Bridge
Main Avenue Bridge, 1914
Then
The City of Passaic was originally known as Acquackanonk, and area which would become Wallington, across the Passaic River, was a plantation. The first bridge at the site, known as the Acquackanonk Bridge, was a foot bridge that crossed from Passaic to Wallington upstream of the location of the Main Avenue Bridge and opened before 1741.
The bridge pictured is the seventh at very near the site; a wooden bridge built from 1766-78 was destroyed during the Revolutionary war; it holds the distinction of having been crossed by Washington’s army in 1776. Another bridge was built in 1776, followed by three more (1835-65, 1863-90, and 1890-1904).
The Main Avenue (or Gregory Avenue) Bridge was built in 1906 by the Oswego Bridge Company. It is a swing bridge that rests on ashlar abutments, and carries two vehicular lanes and two sidewalks. Most of the bridge is riveted together, but the center tower uses eyebars in its construction.
Main Avenue Bridge, 2012
Now
The Main Avenue Bridge no longer opens; in 1985 both the operator’s house on the bridge and the machinery below it were removed. The bridge deck was also replaced at the same time. More information on the history of the bridge can be found in the Passaic River Restoration Plan and in the New Jersey Historic Bridge Survey (PDF).