Marion Junction (New Jersey) facts for kids
Marion Junction is an important railroad junction located in western Jersey City, New Jersey. A railroad junction is a place where different train tracks meet or cross. Think of it like a busy intersection for trains!
Today, Marion Junction connects several major train lines. It links the CSX's River Line (which uses Conrail's Northern Branch) to Conrail's Passaic and Harsimus Line. These connections allow trains carrying goods to travel easily from places like upstate New York to other parts of the country. The specific track that makes this connection is called the Marion Running Track.
The Story of Marion Junction
Early Beginnings
Marion Junction has a long history, going back to the early days of railroads. Two important train companies, the New Jersey Railroad (NJRR) and the Paterson and Hudson River Railroad, built their lines to this spot in the 1830s. The NJRR finished its line in 1834, and the Paterson and Hudson River Railroad completed its line in 1833.
It took the NJRR four more years to dig through a large hill called Bergen Hill. Before this tunnel was built, people and goods had to switch to horse-drawn carriages to get over the hill. In the beginning, the junction was simple. Both train lines met and headed east, allowing trains to reach the Hudson River.
Growing Connections
In 1861, the Erie Railroad built the Long Dock Tunnel through Bergen Hill. This helped reduce traffic on the older train routes. Marion Junction then became a smaller place where trains could transfer.
Later, around 1873, two new train companies started using the Erie Railroad's tracks to reach Marion Junction. These were the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway (NYS&W) and the Montclair Railway. The Montclair Railway later became the New York and Greenwood Lake Railway (NY&GL).
Over time, these companies changed their passenger train routes. The NY&GL moved its passenger trains around 1890, and the NYS&W did the same in 1911. However, the NYS&W continued to use Marion Junction for its freight trains, which carry goods.
A New Direction
In the middle of the 20th century, fewer people were riding passenger trains. This meant Marion Junction became less busy. Also, the junction was set up to send trains east. This wasn't the best direction for freight trains traveling between upstate New York and places further south.
Around 1994, some big changes happened. New Jersey Transit, a public transportation agency, paid to change the junction. They made it point west instead of east. This was part of a plan to move the River Line to the west side of the Palisades. This change made the east side clear for the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, a new light rail system.
Because of this change, Marion Junction became the main route for freight trains. For some trains, it was the only way to go! This made Marion Junction important again for moving goods across the country.
