New Jersey has released a plan to transform an abandoned rail corridor into a nine-mile greenway that will connect eight towns across Essex and Hudson counties.
The greenway will traverse Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, and Montclair.
Many of these areas are overburdened communities that have historically lacked access to open space, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The plan emphasizes inclusive design and accessibility, with ADA-compliant features and public spaces designed to welcome users of all ages and abilities.
Construction is already underway on a nearly one-mile segment in Newark that broke ground in July.
That segment includes three community gathering spaces connected by a meandering ADA-accessible trail.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is overseeing construction of this section.
The state acquired the nine-mile property from Norfolk Southern Corporation in 2022, following years of advocacy to repurpose the abandoned rail line.
The corridor last served commuters in 2002.