Pennsylvania and New Jersey Railroad
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railroad |
| Predecessor | Pennsylvania and New Jersey Railroad (two companies) |
| Founded | 1896 |
| Defunct | 1954 |
| Fate | Merged into Penndel Company |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Parent | Pennsylvania Railroad |
The Delaware River Railroad and Bridge Company functioned as a subsidiary railway under the Pennsylvania Railroad in the United States. Established in 1896 through the merger of two predecessor entities from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it was responsible for building the Delair Bridge spanning the Delaware River, thereby connecting Philadelphia with Camden, New Jersey. The bridge along with its linking routes became operational between 1896 and 1897. In 1954, it was absorbed into the Penndel Company following a merger initiated by the Pennsylvania Railroad. Presently, this line is incorporated within Conrail Shared Assets Operations.
History
Prior to the construction of the Delair Bridge, there was no direct rail connection between Philadelphia and Camden, which complicated freight and passenger transport for the Pennsylvania Railroad on both sides of the river. Freight shipments were dependent on car float operations or had to take a detour via the Amboy Branch northward to Trenton, while passengers crossed by ferry. Establishing a direct rail link near Philadelphia enhanced freight transit efficiency and provided a rail connection between Philadelphia and markets in South Jersey, including Atlantic City.
Beginning in 1894, Pennsylvania Railroad created two separate companies named Pennsylvania and New Jersey Railroad—one in each state—to facilitate construction of the bridge and its approaches. These companies were merged into the Delaware River Railroad and Bridge Company on March 16, 1896, coinciding with the completion of construction. The bridge officially opened on April 19, 1896.
On the Pennsylvania side, the company’s line connected to the Connecting Railway (now part of the Northeast Corridor) at Frankford Junction. Although legal challenges delayed building the New Jersey approach, the bridge opened with a connection to the Amboy Branch at Morris, New Jersey. Further connections were inaugurated on May 29, 1897: an additional link to the Amboy Branch via Fish House and a connection to the main line of the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad at West Haddonfield, which also provided access to the Pemberton Branch in Pennsauken, New Jersey. This network enabled direct rail travel from Philadelphia to Atlantic City.
The Delaware River Railroad and Bridge Company operated as a non-operating lessee under Pennsylvania Railroad control until it was merged into the holding company Penndel Company on January 1, 1954.