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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][breadcrumb-shortcode][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”What is the Greenway?” tab_id=”what-is-the-greenway”][vc_column_text css=””]The Greenway is a nearly nine-mile-long former rail line spanning Essex and Hudson counties that is being transformed into New Jersey’s newest state park.

This blighted corridor will become a thriving active linear open space and transportation corridor traversing the state’s most densely population region, passing through Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City.

Once open to the public, the Greenway will function as a multimodal corridor for walking, biking and transit. It will provide safe, equitable access to outdoor recreation and open space while improving regional transportation and stormwater management. The project is also expected to spur equitable economic growth and redevelopment throughout its host communities and across New Jersey by creating seamless connections from Montclair through Newark to Jersey City.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Where is the Greenway located?” tab_id=”where-is-the-greenway-located”][vc_single_image image=”450″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” onclick=”img_link_large” img_link_target=”_blank”][vc_column_text css=””]When completed, the Greenway will pass through eight municipalities in Essex and Hudson counties: Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Who owns the Greenway?” tab_id=”who-owns-the-greenway”][vc_column_text css=””]The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection acquired the Greenway property from the former rail operator, Norfolk Southern Corporation, on Aug. 19, 2022. Since then, DEP has been working on transforming this former rail line into its newest state park![/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Why did DEP acquire the Greenway?” tab_id=”why-did-dep-acquire-the-greenway”][vc_column_text css=””]The Greenway represents a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to create sorely needed open space opportunities while serving as a catalyst for economic development while increasing community members’ quality of life – improving environmental, individual, and public health.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Can I walk or ride on the Greenway now?” tab_id=”can-i-walk-or-ride-on-the-greenway-now”][vc_column_text css=””]The Greenway is closed to public access while under development. Due to the legacy of industrial pollution in the vicinity, its prior railroad usage, and the dilapidation of existing infrastructure, the Greenway is not currently suitable for public use.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”When will the Greenway be open?” tab_id=”when-will-the-greenway-be-open”][vc_column_text css=””]The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection actively working on a development timeline for the entire nine miles. Recognizing the need to satisfy the public interest in utilizing the space, DEP is currently constructing Phase 1 of the Greenway – a nearly one-mile segment from Branch Book Park Drive to Broadway in Newark – while future planning continues. DEP selected this location for Phase 1 following significant research and analysis that showed the relative ease of construction and the potential positive community impacts in this area. For more information on phased development, see our Greenway Phased Development & Engagement Strategy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What kind of work is currently happening on the Greenway?” tab_id=”what-kind-of-work-is-currently-happening-on-the-greenway”][vc_column_text css=””]Pursuant to the New Jerey Department of Environmental Protection’s purchase agreement, Norfolk Southern Corporation was required to remove all tracks and ties from the former rail corridor. This work concluded in Spring 2023.

On April 4, 2023, DEP retained three consultant firms to assist the state with planning and design activities. The selected firms assisted DEP with robust, community-focused stakeholder engagement, phased development recommendations, stormwater management analysis, remediation investigation and a safety and security needs assessment. This pre-design work was completed in Fall 2023.

In Fall 2023, DEP and its consultant team began work on Phase 1 design. Construction management, in partnership with the Economic Development Authority, is underway. In July of 2025, groundbreaking for the nearly one-mile Newark segment of the Greenway occurred. AECOM Tishman was selected as construction manager through a competitive bidding process. The Newark segment of the Greenway project aims to open by the end of 2026.

For more information on the work being done, see our Greenway Phased Development & Engagement Strategy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What are the opportunities for providing input?” tab_id=”opportunities-for-community-engagement”][vc_column_text css=””]The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is committed to deep, robust public engagement, and development of the Greenway will be no exception. Community engagement is vital to the success of the Greenway and fully understanding how members of host communities want to use and interact with this new public open space, how it can best serve community needs, and other methods to ensure equitable distribution of the myriad environmental, public health, and economic benefits promised by this transformative project.

DEP, with the assistance of its retained consultants, began its first stages of multi-faceted community engagement process in May 2023. This initial approach focused on determining the appropriate first stages of development, shared community vision for the Greenway, safety and security  and immediate stormwater investment opportunities.

Since summer 2023, DEP and its partners have hosted 26 community engagement sessions ranging from pop-ups at farmer’s markets and block parties to formal listening sessions at public libraries and parks. Community engagement remains ongoing; follow the Greenway on Instagram for updates on future events at @njdep.greenway.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How can I stay up to date on the project?” tab_id=”the-greenway-project-updates”][vc_column_text css=””]The best way to stay informed on developments with the Greenway is to check the Greenway’s website regularly. It will be updated with significant developments with the project. If you would like to join the Greenway’s mailing list, enter your email address. [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Where should emergencies on the Greenway be directed?” tab_id=”the-greenway-emergencies”][vc_column_text css=””]For emergencies on the Greenway, call 9-1-1. The Greenway is currently an undeveloped corridor that is closed to public access. DEP State Park Police monitors the closed Greenway and incidents can be reported by calling 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337). [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Who can I speak with if I have questions, concerns, or complaints regarding the Greenway?” tab_id=”questions-concerns-or-complaints-regarding-the-greenway”][vc_column_text css=””]The Department of Environmental Protection is engaging and coordinating with representatives from the communities along the Greenway. Individuals may find that local officials will be able to quickly respond to general inquiries. In instances where more information is required, DEP will work with local representatives to provide necessary information and periodically update this FAQ. For general questions and suggestions, complete this comment form.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What measures will be taken to prevent personal vehicles from entering the Greenway?” tab_id=”preventing-personal-vehicles-from-entering-the-greenway”][vc_column_text css=””]The Department of Environmental Protection is working closely with the local municipalities to address concerns and has installed appropriate signage. Presently, the Greenway is closed to the public and any personal vehicles on the Greenway are trespassing and will be addressed through appropriate means.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What do I do if I received a letter saying that my property is encroaching on the Greenway?” tab_id=”my-property-is-encroaching-on-the-greenway”][vc_column_text css=””]Norfolk Southern Corporation issued encroachment letters prior to the Department of Environmental Protection acquiring the Greenway. DEP is in the process of addressing encroachment issues with the nine municipalities and impacted residents. If you would like more information on the encroachment letters and to discuss next steps, complete this comment form or call 609-940-4400.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

 

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