Off the Rails: Bushwick Branch

Join NCA, NY & Atlantic Railway, and Sims Metal for a volunteer cleanup along the rail lines near Newtown Creek. This series seeks to engage community members with environmental stewardship in often neglected industrial spaces, while offering a glimpse into local train history and infrastructure through these unique sites.

On Sunday, June 9th, Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) is hosting our second Off the Rails Series volunteer cleanup in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This event will take place along the Bushwick Branch rail line by Morgan Avenue, an active rail line used primarily for garbage collection and transfer from nearby facilities. Historically, this line carried commuters between 1868 and 1924, after which all passenger service was discontinued. Nearby stations included Bushwick Avenue Station by Montrose Avenue and Bushwick Place, and South Side Railroad Crossing near Varick Avenue.

The nearby rail bridge is officially titled the Montrose Avenue Rail Bridge, though it is sometimes called the English Kills Drawbridge (presently fixed in place). The steel bobtail swing bridge was designed as a temporary bridge in 1888 and rehabilitated between 1907 and 1927; it likely hasn’t been opened since the mid 1950’s.

This event will include:

• An expansive trash pickup along the tracks of this active rail line (with no train activity during the cleanup). NY & Atlantic Railway will be providing support with their railroad crane car!

​​We will provide gloves, tools, safety vests, water, and guidance on how to safely complete our tasks for the day. Before the event, registrants are required to complete a liability waiver and photo consent form (Adult form here and Minor form here).

Meetup Location: We will be meeting at the railroad crossing just north of Morgan Ave and Johnson Ave.

Plan ahead for the event: Please wear weather-appropriate clothes, sturdy close-toed shoes, and bring your own water bottle and sunscreen if needed. There are no bathrooms on site. If you are unable to attend, we ask you to please release your spot at least one day in advance.

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For other volunteer opportunities with NCA, visit our events page here: http://www.newtowncreekalliance.org/events/