Public Law 53–98

That the boards of chosen freeholders of the counties of Hudson and Union, in the State of New Jersey, or the legally constituted authorities of the city of Bayonne and the city of Elizabeth, as may be determined by the authorities of the State of New Jersey, shall be, and they are hereby, authorized to locate, build, maintain, equip, and operate a bridge across Newark Bay, in the State of New Jersey, between the city of Elizabeth, in the county of

Location.

Union, and the city of Bayonne, in the county of Hudson, at a point not less than five hundred feet above the present bridge structure

Provisos.

Draw.

known as the Central Railroad bridge: Provided, That the bridge herein authorized shall be built as a drawbridge, with a draw giving a clear width of opening of not less than one hundred feet and said bridge shall be located and built in such manner and under such regulations for

Secretary of War to approve plans, etc.

the security of navigation as the Secretary of War may prescribe; and to secure that object the parties proposing to build said bridge shall submit to the Secretary of War, for his examination and approval, a design and drawing of the bridge and a map of the location, and until the said plan and location of the bridge are approved by the Secretary of War the bridge shall not be commenced or built; and should any change be made in the plans of said bridge during the progress of its construction, such changes shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of War and the said bridge shall be held to be a public highway

Opening draw.

forever: Provided also, That the draw of said bridge shall be promptly opened, upon reasonable signal, for the passage of vessels and boats; and the owners of said bridge shall maintain thereon, from sunset to

Lights, etc.

sunrise, such lights and other signals as the Light-House Board shall prescribe.

Sec. 2.

That this Act shall be null and void if actual construction of

Commencement and completion.

the bridge herein authorized be not commenced within one year and completed within three years from the approval of this Act.

Sec. 3.

That the right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act

Amendment, etc.

is hereby expressly reserved.