Where the fun never ends!
Belmar is an old Pennsy-type station which currently houses businesses. It is one of the busier stops along the shore. Belmar is a favorite vacation community during the summer, offering fine beaches, a marina and excellent amenities. Because of its proximity to Route 35, Route 70 and US 195, it is also favored by commuters.
The station itself has two platforms. Be sure you're on the right platform, because once the train is coming in there is NO way to get to the other one. In fact, when trains stop they must block the intersection. You can easily see trains approach from either direction.
Just north of the station is the Shark River, crossed by three roads (Route 35, Main Street - Route 71, Ocean Avenue)and the railroad's bascule bridge. How and when bridges open is a simple formula: first trains, then boats, then cars. For convenience, however, the bascule bridge is usually open except when a train is scheduled. Car bridges generally open hourly during slow hours, and on the half hour during the busy season.
View toward Shark River - bascule bridge is down |
Southbound platform |
Open railroad bascule and Route 35 bridges |
Incoming train |
Control cab - power is provided by diesel at the rear |
The train is too long for the station |
Northbound platform - the Shark River bridge is up |
Another view - southbound platform and raised bridge |
