Paulinskill Viaduct

Paulinskill Viaduct: Embracing Teen Ar(ngs)t?


            COLUMBIA, NJ- My Mental health Monday started off with a craving for some new scenery. Following up after a particularly difficult weekend, I decided to take the day to do some exploring. I jumped in my car with some idea of where I wanted to go. I had hear rumors of an old viaduct up in Knowlton Township, abandoned then reclaimed by teens with spray paint. It was an hours drive up north, through Chester and Mount Olive and eventually to my destination. But before I continue, a little bit of history about this site:
          The Paulinskill Viaduct, also known as the Hainesburg Viaduct, is a 150 foot reinforced concrete railroad bridge that stretches 1,100 feet across the Paulins Kill body of water in Knowlton, NJ. It was constructed in 1911, and it officially was opened the day of Christmas Eve. This viaduct carried DW&L trains up until it was abandoned in 1982. The tracks have been removed, but the structure itself remains.
        
      Although NJT has proposed restoration, the Paulinskill viaduct has been overrun by curious adolescents and graffiti artists. The threat of being charged with trespassing has not phased many, and the abstract art is nothing short of astounding (and also slightly creepy). The 7 arches of the viaduct are all connected, and tunnels leading under and above the structure are also present. It's definitely a cool place to go with a bunch of friends, but you also have to be aware of your surroundings. It's easy to trip, slip or fall while navigating the area. In fact, just last week there were reports out on two girls who had actually become stranded in the viaduct somehow and the fire department had to be called in order to rescue them.

         So, risky? Maybe. Worth it? Totally! I highly recommend a day trip to Paulinskill at least once, on a day where the weather is nice and preferably during the day. It's a living, breathing piece of unappreciated modern (and classic) art; new colors on an old canvas. It was a satisfying way to spend my Mental Health Monday. I managed to escape school, but not teenage insanity.






For more information of this site, you can visit:
Weird NJ
Vacant NJ