Hunter Connection
Encyclopedia
The Lehigh Line Connection is the connection between Amtrak's Northeast Corridor
(NEC) and the Conrail Lehigh Line
south of downtown Newark, New Jersey
. The point at which it leaves the NEC is known as Hunter Interlocking; because of this, the line is sometimes called the Hunter Connection. It is used by New Jersey Transit
Raritan Valley Line
trains and is a replacement for an older connection. It splits from the NEC just north of the former connector, with wider curves (45 mph instead of 15 mph) and catenary wire
that for now serves no purpose.
Prior to the improvements the connection had a single track, with older overhead wire and Pennsylvania Railroad
(PRR) signaling. Until 1961 Lehigh Valley Railroad
(LV) passenger trains bound to/from Pennsylvania Railroad's station in Manhattan
, such as the Black Diamond, used the connection to reach their own railroad from the PRR main line. It was at the top of the hill at NK interlocking where LV diesels exchanged the train(s) with PRR electric locomotives.
Northeast Corridor
The Northeast Corridor is a fully electrified railway line owned primarily by Amtrak serving the Northeast megalopolis of the United States from Boston in the north, via New York to Washington, D.C. in the south, with branches serving other cities...
(NEC) and the Conrail Lehigh Line
Lehigh Line (Conrail)
The Conrail Lehigh Line is a railroad line in the state of New Jersey operated as part of the North Jersey Shared Assets Area. It runs from Jersey City to Bound Brook along the former main line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad...
south of downtown Newark, New Jersey
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
. The point at which it leaves the NEC is known as Hunter Interlocking; because of this, the line is sometimes called the Hunter Connection. It is used by New Jersey Transit
New Jersey Transit
The New Jersey Transit Corporation is a statewide public transportation system serving the United States state of New Jersey, and New York, Orange, and Rockland counties in New York State...
Raritan Valley Line
Raritan Valley Line
The Raritan Valley Line is a diesel-engine-powered commuter rail service operated by New Jersey Transit , originating out of Pennsylvania Station, located in Newark, New Jersey, with most trains terminating at the Raritan station, located in Raritan, New Jersey.Some weekday trains continue further...
trains and is a replacement for an older connection. It splits from the NEC just north of the former connector, with wider curves (45 mph instead of 15 mph) and catenary wire
Overhead lines
Overhead lines or overhead wires are used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains at a distance from the energy supply point...
that for now serves no purpose.
Prior to the improvements the connection had a single track, with older overhead wire and Pennsylvania Railroad
Pennsylvania Railroad
The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
(PRR) signaling. Until 1961 Lehigh Valley Railroad
Lehigh Valley Railroad
The Lehigh Valley Railroad was one of a number of railroads built in the northeastern United States primarily to haul anthracite coal.It was authorized April 21, 1846 in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and incorporated September 20, 1847 as the Delaware, Lehigh, Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad...
(LV) passenger trains bound to/from Pennsylvania Railroad's station in Manhattan
Pennsylvania Station (New York City)
Pennsylvania Station—commonly known as Penn Station—is the major intercity train station and a major commuter rail hub in New York City. It is one of the busiest rail stations in the world, and a hub for inbound and outbound railroad traffic in New York City. The New York City Subway system also...
, such as the Black Diamond, used the connection to reach their own railroad from the PRR main line. It was at the top of the hill at NK interlocking where LV diesels exchanged the train(s) with PRR electric locomotives.