The M&E quickly emerged as the logical replacement for the CNJ, as it would give the DL&W direct access to the Hudson River.

In 1901, the railroad installed gauntlet track in the tunnel, effectively turning it into a single-track bottleneck — another reason to build the Lackawanna Cut-Off.

The effects of Hurricane Diane caused record flooding along the Delaware River and forced DL&W to reroute trains over part the Old Road.

[2] At Rockport, New Jersey, the train struck debris washed onto a road crossing by a heavy thunderstorm.

In 1995, on the 70th anniversary of the wreck, a stone and plaque was erected at the Rockport crossing to remember the lives lost.

In 1982, NJ Transit assumed operation of the trackage between Port Morris Junction and Netcong for commuter service.

In October 1994, commuter rail service was re-established to Hackettstown by NJ Transit, although the operation west of Netcong was under trackage rights granted by Conrail and then later Norfolk Southern Railway.