The Meadowland "Hi Line"

[Supermicha]

In Brian Solomons Book "Electric Locomotives" are a few photos taken along a "Hi Line" called route in the Jersey Madows. The route has only two tracks, but it runs between Penn Station and Newark, says the autor. So is it a part of the North East Corridor or just a passing by route? Is it in use today?

Thanks, Michael

[Anonymous]

Do you know what Railroad runs on it?

[Overmod]

This is the old New York Connecting Railroad, which was built by PRR to link the Hudson Tunnels with Newark station. It's very much a part of the Northeast Corridor, of course. And a good trainwatching spot.

The reason it was 'two tracks' on an otherwise 4- to 6-track main line is because it is essentially a bridge line to two tunnel bores, which control the traffic density anyway. Of course, there are multiple platforms in Newark, and a yard between the east portals of the Hudson river tunnels and Penn Station, so there is essentially no problem with nearly-continuous traffic each way on a double track.

There are now 'three' tracks for part of the route, thanks to construction of the Allied Junction station which connects to ex-EL commuter lines, etc. I have not seen this station completed, so I don't know if there are other station platform tracks at this altitude related to the trackage connecting the electrified ex-Lackawanna line to allow its trains to go into Penn Station.

There are plenty of others on this list or on PRR historical sites that can tell you more.

RME

[Supermicha]

Thanks for your answer, it helps me alot. Do you know where i can find photos from todays hi-line?

The allied junction station you talked about, is it the secaucus junction which connects the hoboken terminal with the north east corridor?

thanks