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3/28/2024
 
 
 
 
 
By:Ben Kranefeld
Dates:3/31/2013 - 3/31/2013
Album Info: The single tracked line across the marshes began operation in 1912. With the increase in automobile usage, passenger service on the line ended in 1972, with freight ending in 74. The Wildwood Branch was officially abandoned on Feb 13, 1976 and the tracks removed the following year. In 2013, a portion of the rail embankment was removed to restore the marshlands. The photos in this album were taken in early 2013, just as the marshland restoration was beginning. Photos of the former engine loop at Cold Spring Harbor were taken and added to this album in 2019.
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Wildwood Junction Station
Title:  Wildwood Junction Station
Description:  Looking north along the Cape May Branch. The former Wildwood Junction Station can be seen to the right. There has been recent talk of demolishing the station due to its deteriorating condition. Wildwood Junction Station was built in 1913, and closed in 1972.
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 6:55:37 PM
Location:  Wildwood Junction, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Station,Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  1138   Comments: 3
Looking South
Title:  Looking South
Description:  Looking south along the Cape May Branch. The line to Wildwood can be seen at the switch in the distance
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 6:56:38 PM
Location:  Wildwood Junction, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Signal,Track
Locomotives: 
Views:  840   Comments: 2
In the Woods
Title:  In the Woods
Description:  Here, the south leg of the wye joined the south connection of the Wildwood Branch. The tracks continue south from here towards the Cape May Branch
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 6:57:23 PM
Location:  Wildwood Junction, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Track
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Views:  752   Comments: 0
Wildwood Branch
Title:  Wildwood Branch
Description:  The southern connection of the start of the Wildwood Branch. From here, the line continued east over Route 9, under the Garden State Parkway, and into Wildwood. The Wildwood Branch was abandoned in 1976.
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 6:58:14 PM
Location:  Wildwood Junction, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Track
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Views:  757   Comments: 0
Wildwood Junction Station
Title:  Wildwood Junction Station
Description:  Opened in 1913, the Wildwood Junction Station served as the mainland terminus of the Wildwood Branch. The station still stands today, but in very bad condition.
Photo Date:  4/8/2012  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 3:46:13 PM
Location:  Whitesboro, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Station
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Views:  1436   Comments: 0
The rails end
Title:  The rails end
Description:  Wildwood Junction Station and the wye are directly ahead through the trees and overgrowth. The line branches to the left, and then south to Cape May. It also splits to the right, and north to Tuckahoe. The former grade crossing at Rt 9 is directly behind me. The rails have been cut and removed from here on out into Wildwood.
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:23 PM
Location:  Whitesboro, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  1217   Comments: 1
Garden State Parkway Overpass
Title:  Garden State Parkway Overpass
Description:  Looking towards Wildwood, this is where the former line passed under the GSP
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:05:50 PM
Location:  Whitesboro, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  764   Comments: 0
Former ROW
Title:  Former ROW
Description:  Just under the Garden State Parkway, this view is of the old roadbed looking towards Wildwood
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:05:55 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  700   Comments: 0
Another shot of the Parkway Overpass
Title:  Another shot of the Parkway Overpass
Description:  Turning around and looking back towards the mainland, the GSP overpass is visible
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:21 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  575   Comments: 0
Future of the Wildwood Branch
Title:  Future of the Wildwood Branch
Description:  Just past the Parkway overpass, this sign was placed stating that the remainder of the rail embankment will be removed to restore the natural marshlands
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:07:13 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  1027   Comments: 1
Wildwood in the distance
Title:  Wildwood in the distance
Description:  The rails and ties have long since been removed and the grade has been leveled. The former line began to curve in towards Wilwood
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:05:57 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  671   Comments: 0
Old Turtle Creek (looking towards mainland)
Title:  Old Turtle Creek (looking towards mainland)
Description:  The former Wildwood and Delaware Bay Short Line RR trestle still remains. At the foot of the trestle are the last remaining, remnants of ties. To the left is the float bridge erected to allow passage of the heavy construction equipment being used to remove the former roadbed.
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:05:59 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  1226   Comments: 0
Wooden trestle over Old Turtle Creek
Title:  Wooden trestle over Old Turtle Creek
Description:  A side shot of the WDBSLRR trestle that spans Old Turtle Thorofare
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:01 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  911   Comments: 0
Collapsed mid-span
Title:  Collapsed mid-span
Description:  Standing on the new float bridge, this shot shows part of the wooden trestle that has fallen into Old Turtle Creek. (Rt 47 bridge in background) Had the float bridge not been in place, passage to Grassy Sound would not have been possible that day.
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:17 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  872   Comments: 0
Looking towards Grassy Sound and Wildwood
Title:  Looking towards Grassy Sound and Wildwood
Description:  Cement slabs had been placed over top of the wooden pillings of the trestle. The missing section of trestle is to my rear.
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:19 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  615   Comments: 0
Curve in the roadbed
Title:  Curve in the roadbed
Description:  Just off of the Old Turtle Creek bridge, the roadbed begins to curve south towards Grassy Sound. (Note the foundations in the sand.)
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:02 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  570   Comments: 0
Grassy Sound Ahead
Title:  Grassy Sound Ahead
Description:  The raised mound of sand and dirt is what remains of the roadbed. Grassy Sound is in the distance.
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:04 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  529   Comments: 0
End of the rehabilitation zone
Title:  End of the rehabilitation zone
Description:  As seen by the undisturbed suroundings, the marshland rehabilitation did not include the area around the former drawbridge site
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:06 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  721   Comments: 0
Sole remaining rail
Title:  Sole remaining rail
Description:  Off of the roadbed embankment, the erosion has exposed the only remaining pieces of rail left on the Wildwood Branch. Grassy Sound is to the right.
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:08 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  861   Comments: 1
Grassy Sound
Title:  Grassy Sound
Description:  What remains of the former drawbridge at Grassy Sound.
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:09 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  696   Comments: 0
Another view of Grassy Sound
Title:  Another view of Grassy Sound
Description: 
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:09 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
Locomotives: 
Views:  510   Comments: 0
Rusting Away
Title:  Rusting Away
Description:  The mid section of the drawbridge is all that remains after a failed attempt to completly remove the bridge took place in the 70's.
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:11 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  836   Comments: 0
North side view of the drawbridge remains
Title:  North side view of the drawbridge remains
Description:  Wildwood is on the far side
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:13 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  497   Comments: 1
Rusted crane
Title:  Rusted crane
Description:  This abandoned crane resting on the drawbridge was supposedly used in the failed attempt of the removal of the bridge. Being lighter in weight than the section it was removing, the crane dropped the drawbridge span into Grassy Sound Channel where it still remains.
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:16 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  1286   Comments: 0
Looking back towards the mainland
Title:  Looking back towards the mainland
Description:  With the Grassy Sound drawbridge behind me, this view shows almost the entire former ROW from the mainland, through the marshes
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:11 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  395   Comments: 0
Opposite side of Grassy Sound Channel
Title:  Opposite side of Grassy Sound Channel
Description:  Now actually in Wildwood, this view show the remains of the former drawbridge and ROW from the island
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:07:07 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  535   Comments: 0
Another view from Wildwood
Title:  Another view from Wildwood
Description:  Looking towards the mainland
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:07:09 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  312   Comments: 0
New development on the ROW
Title:  New development on the ROW
Description:  These house have been constructed on where the former ROW would have come off of the Grassy Sound drawbridge
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:07:10 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  508   Comments: 0
Sunset Lake Bridge
Title:  Sunset Lake Bridge
Description:  This bridge carried trains over the small waterway called Sunset Lake in Wildwood, and then onto Oak Ave. (Oak Ave is to the rear.)
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:06:27 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  878   Comments: 0
Another view of the Sunset Lake Bridge in Wildwood
Title:  Another view of the Sunset Lake Bridge in Wildwood
Description:  To the left is Oak Ave. To the right, Grassy Sound
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:07:12 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
Locomotives: 
Views:  506   Comments: 1
Third shot of Sunset Lake Bridge
Title:  Third shot of Sunset Lake Bridge
Description:  The bridge has been divided to allow waterway passage
Photo Date:  3/31/2013  Upload Date: 1/2/2014 4:07:11 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories:  Bridge
Locomotives: 
Views:  477   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Looking north towards Wildwood Crest. Ties remain in the cinder laden, former roadbed
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:08:12 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  269   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Cross ties and large amounts of cinder and ballast along the former roadbed
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:08:58 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  261   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  A pair of heavily rusted and weathered spikes
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:09:46 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  296   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Looking north towards Wildwood Crest and some of the remaining, in place ties
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:11:05 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  235   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  More ties in place along the old roadbed, which begins to curve in the distance as its meets the other end of the loop which can be seen by the tree line in the background
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:11:53 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  239   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Ties curving towards the begining of the former Cold Spring Harbor reversing loop
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:12:44 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  201   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  One of many rusted tie plates out in the marshes
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:13:27 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  196   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Old ties "whitewashed" and cracked from sunlight, and covered in dead marsh grass
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:14:25 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  188   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Rusted ring, possibly from the standpipe that was used to replenish water levels of thirsty locomotive tenders
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:15:05 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  137   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  A glass insulator fragment lying amongst cinders and seashells
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:16:00 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  150   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  At this point, the loop ended and rejoined the line back into Wildwood Crest
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:16:39 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  281   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Looking north across the marshes and small channel at the ties in the roadbed where the line continued into Wildwood Crest
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:17:21 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  127   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  The lack of bridge prevented any kind of passage across the small channel, and north along the old roadbed seen buried under the tree growth
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:18:01 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  148   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Looking south, towards the entire former reversing loop. Both ends joined at this point to continue north, back into Wildwood
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:18:50 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  128   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  In this shot, two sets of ties can be seen. The set straight ahead was the start the reversing loop which extended out to where the buildings in the distance can be seen, before "looping" back around as seen with the second set of ties to the right
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:19:40 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  165   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Looking south at the former roadbed
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:20:42 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  239   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  Tie ends protruding from the trees and marsh grass that has slowly engulfed the old roadbed over the years
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:21:25 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  255   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  A pile of weathered tie plates
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:22:16 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  252   Comments: 0
Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Title:  Cold Spring Harbor Loop
Description:  More cross ties in this shot looking south (towards Cape May)
Photo Date:  3/18/2019  Upload Date: 3/18/2019 5:22:48 PM
Location:  Wildwood, NJ
Author:  Ben Kranefeld
Categories: 
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Views:  231   Comments: 0


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