Reading & Northern Railroad opens rail bridge

Rail News Home Short Lines & Regionals 2/6/2020 Rail News: Short Lines & Regionals
The Nesquehoning Bridge Phase 2 connects R&N’s Reading and Lehigh divisions.Photo – Reading & Northern Railroad

Reading & Northern Railroad (R&N) yesterday opened a new $14 million rail bridge over the Lehigh River in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania.

The Nesquehoning Bridge Phase 2 connects the regional railroad’s Reading and Lehigh divisions, allowing expedited movement between the Reading and Scranton area. 

“This bridge will improve the efficiency of rail transportation in our area of the state creating a stronger climate for sustaining and creating jobs by helping existing businesses grow and attracting new enterprises,” said Chief Executive Officer Andy Muller in a press release.

The bridge project was paid for with public funding and a 30 percent match by the railroad. 

J. D. Eckman was the primary contractor. 

R&N provides freight service and steam and diesel-powered excursion passenger-rail service in eastern Pennsylvania.