Perth Amboy evening news., 1922-12-18
INTEREST IN NEWARK BAY BRIDGE

Judging from the fight now going on over the reconstruction
of the Central railroad bridge across Newark bay between Elz-
abethport and Bayonne, one would think that the only municipal
iy interested is Newark. The fight that that city is making to have
the bridge entirely removed is highly commendable from the New
ark point of view. We can appreciate just how Newark feels
about the matter for we know how Perth Amboy would feel it any
further attempts were made to erect drawbridges in this vicinity,
especially over the bay or across Staten Island sound.
The fact remains, however, that hundreds of towns and cities
are concerned in this Newark bay bridge matter. Quick COM
municatNn by rail between these places and New York city is H.
volved. This is of vital importance and ought to be seriously con-
sidered. Of course, when it comes to a choice between a bridge or
a tunnel that is something that may be left for the railroad and
the city Of Newark to thrash out with the federal government as
shs umpire, but anything that IS going to make 1.-THE running time
aongsr between New York and the numerous municipalities along
she Central railroad is decidedly Objectionable. To send all trains
over the Newark branch would lengthen the ride considerably and
ought not to be considered. The towns depending on the Central
railroad for quick transportation should protect their interests III
shis regard.
As a matter Of fact, we think that Newark is unduly excited
about the proposed bridge under the plans that have been pro-
posed. There are lots of important ports where drawbridges oper-I
ate to let the boats in and out and an enormous commerce is car
xied on, too. When the bridge is high enough for the ordinary traf-
xc such as tugboats, barges and lighters to pass under, a modern
draw operated in the most up-to-date manner could easily take
rare Of sueh ocean-going traffic as will enter Newark bay for
many years to come. The army engineers who have approved the
present plans realize this, but they are willing to give Newark
every opportunity to prove her case.
The threat on the part of the city, however, that it will aban-
dan Port Newark Terminal development if the railroad is permit
ted to reconstruct the bridge in its present location may be taken
with a grain of salt. There was no indication of the bridge being
abandoned when Newark began this development. The meadows
were looked upon by that city as a logical location for a great
terminal for ocean-going ships long before there was any suggcs-
fion of abandoning the railroad bridge at Eizabethport Newark
is playing a strong card in this matter, but it is doubtful II 1t can
Nget away with it. The purchase of the government terminal by
Me city is also thrown into the balance, the intimation being that
lathe government permits the bridge to stand the city will not
bnA the plant that the government is very anxious to sell. But
Il Newark needs this terminal and it can be bought at a bargain. 1t
lis doubtful if it will let the opportunity slip even if a new and
modern bridge is erected to take the place of the present structure
~ The point that is of interest in Perth Amboy and every other
municipality on the Central railroad, however, is the maintenance.
Tsnf mick communication with New York. We want shorter time
not longer. and anything that does not tend to reduce the running
lime between this city and New York ought to be opposed in tha
htmsetM th4 sjtY = a.ssianm.nt,