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The Greenway: Construction begins on NJ's newest rail-to-trail park
Local, county and state officials gathered in Newark on July 15 to kick off work on the first phase of The Greenway — the state's newest park.
The Greenway is a 9-mile, 100-foot-wide former rail line that stretches through Essex and Hudson counties. The rail line will be fully restored, offering residents alternative ways of transportation, various green spaces, outdoor gathering spots and other amenities.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is leading the project while the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is overseeing construction. NJ Transit is also collaborating in the project and will potentially expand the Secaucus-Meadowlands Transitway into the park.
Once complete, The Greenway will connect eight municipalities: Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, Belleville, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge and Montclair.
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The Newark portion of The Greenway will span a mile from Branch Brook Park to Broadway Avenue, with the path being ADA compliant and lined with native plants.
The linear path will feature downward-facing lighting and designated lanes for cyclists and walkers, encouraging safe speeds and practices for all. There will be three major gathering spaces along the path:
The Newark Central Activity Center will be between Summer and Broadway Avenue. It will have a stage and lawn, playground and water play area, multi-sport courts, outdoor exercise stations, picnic tables, and restrooms.
The Tiffany Manor Community Space will be located between Manchester Place and Greenwood Lake Street, across from the Tiffany Manor. This area will have central seating and space for short-term amenities, including food trucks. Rain gardens and native plants will surround the area.
The Branch Brook Park Overlook will be west of the Tiffany Manor. An observation deck will be built that overlooks the 360-acre Branch Brook Park. Nearby, visitors can walk to Belleville Park and the Hendricks Field Golf Course.
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This segment of The Greenway represents the largest single investment in state history for the development of a new state park at $69.2 million. This phase is to be completed by the end of 2026.
Want to discover more walkways across Jersey? Check these out:
Hudson River Waterfront Walkway (18.5 miles)
Spanning from Fort Lee to Bayonne, this scenic waterfront features parks, seating and skyline views. The path connects several riverfront towns and offers uninterrupted stretches for pedestrians and cyclists along the Hudson River.
Pompton Valley Rail Trail (5.1 miles)
Opened in June 2025, this recreational path was built on a former railway. The trail goes from Pequannock Township to Wayne and connects neighborhoods and the Mountain View Train Station.
West Essex Trail (2.8 miles)
This Essex County trail spans the former 10468026002. Featuring remnants of the original railroad, the trail is a historic and quaint place for walking, hiking and biking.
This article originally appeared on The Greenway: Construction begins on NJ's newest rail-to-trail park
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