A Rare Sight: 200-Year-Old Stone Bridge Emerges from New Jersey Reservoir
A stone bridge dating back to the 1800s that has been submerged underwater for decades is now fully exposed after a New Jersey reservoir was emptied.
Unusual Sight Attracts Onlookers
Chopper 4 footage from high above the Oak Ridge Reservoir in West Milford showed an area that looked more like a barren desert than a deep body of water.
“It’s filled usually, I’ve never seen it like this – never,” said Luanne Blohm, who lives in the town.
Another West Milford resident, Suzanne Mlynarczyk, said she has taken scores of photos of the water and surroundings before, but on Friday it “felt like I’m walking on the moon.”
Ghost Bridge Exposed
The now-nearly empty reservoir has been attracting plenty of onlookers of late, as people want to get a look at what has been unearthed.
Known locally as the “Ghost Bridge,” neighbors said the stone bridge that is usually under feet of water dates back 200 years. It is still fully intact and now completely exposed, making for a rare sight and intriguing photo to snap.
Not Due to Drought
As reservoirs across the state dry up due to the ongoing drought, West Milford officials stressed the unique sight is not weather related. Instead, it is due to scheduled maintenance at the reservoir, which sits just miles from the ongoing Jennings Creek wildfire.
Climate Experts Warn of Deficit
And while the reservoir being empty may just be a coincidence, climate experts all agree that the region badly needs rain and reservoirs need to fill back up before the situation gets worse.
“In the last 90 days, we should’ve had a foot of rain, and we’ve had two inches of rain, and most of that was in September. So we have a deficit of 10 inches,” said state climatologist David Robertson.
Conclusion
The exposure of the 200-year-old stone bridge is a rare and unique sight that is attracting attention from locals and visitors alike. While the drought is a serious issue, the reservoir’s emptying is not related to the weather conditions. Climate experts urge the region to take action to address the deficit and ensure the reservoirs are filled before the situation worsens.
FAQs
Q: Why is the reservoir empty?
A: The reservoir is empty due to scheduled maintenance, not due to the drought.
Q: Is the drought affecting the region?
A: Yes, the region is experiencing a severe drought, with a deficit of 10 inches of rain in the last 90 days.
Q: What is the significance of the stone bridge?
A: The stone bridge, known locally as the “Ghost Bridge,” dates back to the 1800s and is a rare and unique sight in the area.
Q: Will the reservoir be refilled?
A: Yes, the reservoir will be refilled once the maintenance is complete, and the drought is addressed.
