Essex-Hudson Greenway Update: Work Continues In Newark, Eyes Turn To Glen Ridge

Work continues to chug along on New Jersey’s newest state park.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will be hosting a community “visioning session” this weekend about the next leg of the Essex-Hudson Greenway.

Work officially began on the ambitious project last year. The plan? Transform an old, defunct nine-mile railroad line in North Jersey into a 100-foot-wide biking and hiking path.

When it’s complete, New Jersey’s newest state park will cross above the Passaic and Hackensack rivers and pass through eight towns in some of the most densely populated parts of the state: Bloomfield, Belleville, Glen Ridge, Jersey City, Kearny, Montclair, Newark and Secaucus.

Construction of the nearly one-mile Newark portion of the park is underway and is anticipated to open in 2027. Read More: Long-Awaited 'Greenway' Is Shaping Up In North Jersey

Now, eyes are turning to the next leg of the greenway.

The NJDEP is inviting the public to learn more about the Glen Ridge segment at an open house-style event on Saturday, March 21. People can visit the Benson Street Garden at 76 Benson Street in Glen Ridge any time between 9 a.m. and noon. No advance registration is necessary; get directions here.

Information that will be displayed during the session comes from the NJDEP’s Vision & Action Plan, which was released in January.

All areas of the future state park are currently closed to public access. Learn more about the project and its timeline here. See a list of frequently asked questions here.

BUILDING A GREENWAY

New Jersey turned heads three years ago when officials announced that it will be creating its first new state park in more than a decade. Read More: NJ Will Turn Old Railway Into Huge 'Greenway' For Hiking, Biking

The NJDEP acquired the property from Norfolk Southern Corporation in 2022 after years of pleas from local advocates. The rail line last served commuters in 2002, when NJ Transit discontinued operations due to the opening of an alternate line with direct service to New York and high repair costs associated with two bridges on the line. Related: Poetry Amid Decay: NJ Photographer Explores Abandoned Railway

Work on the greenway will take place in sections: Central, West and East:

• Greenway Central will be located in Newark
• Greenway West will cross through Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield and Belleville
• Greenway East will cross through Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City

According to the governor’s office, the nearly one-mile Newark segment of the greenway is the largest single investment in state history for the acquisition and development of a new state park, with this phase of construction totaling $69.2 million.

• Related: New 'Greenway' In North Jersey Will Prevent Flooding: Here's How [VIDEO]
• Related: ‘New Jersey's High Line’: Supporters Have Big Hopes For New State Park

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.