Backwards Tunnel facts for kids
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Backwards Tunnel
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View through south portals, 2011
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 Location in Sussex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cork Hill Road, 310 feet North of Passaic Avenue intersection, Ogdensburg, New Jersey |
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| Area | 0.6 acres (0.24 ha) |
| Built | 1871 |
| Architect | Arnold, Justin; Mr. Simpson |
| Architectural style | Double Stone Arch |
| NRHP reference No. | 05001483 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 28, 2005 |
The Backwards Tunnel, also known as the Ogdensburg Railroad Arch, is a cool old tunnel in Ogdensburg, Sussex County, New Jersey. It's a special landmark because it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 28, 2005. This means it's an important historical site worth protecting!
Contents
History of the Backwards Tunnel
Building the Tunnel
This unique tunnel was built way back in 1871. The New Jersey Midland Railway constructed it. They needed a way for their trains to cross the Wallkill Valley.
In 1881, another railway company, the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway, took over. This happened when the Midland Railway Line joined with them.
How it Got its Name
The tunnel got its interesting name, "Backwards Tunnel," in 1976. People thought it looked a bit odd. They believed the part over the road should have been wider than the part over the river. This made it seem "backwards" to them!
Recognizing its Importance
In 1991, Ogdensburg officially declared the tunnel a borough historic site. This helped protect it even more.
Challenges and a Book
In 2000, a big flood caused some damage to the tunnel. Two nearby dams burst, sending lots of water its way. Despite this, the tunnel still stands. In 2009, a book was even published about the tunnel's long history.
Design of the Backwards Tunnel
The Backwards Tunnel has a special design. It's made of stone and has a "double arch" shape. This means it has two separate archways. The entire tunnel is about 180 feet long.
The Road Arch
One of the arches is for Cork Hill Road. This part of the tunnel is 16 feet wide. It is also 15 feet tall. Cars and trucks drive through this archway.
The River Arch
The other arch is where the Wallkill River flows. This arch is a bit bigger. It measures 20 feet wide and 16 feet tall. The river passes underneath the road here.
The Railway Above
Originally, the rail line ran right on top of the tunnel. Trains would travel over the arches. This allowed them to cross both the road and the river below.
