Pedestrian Bridge In Newark Will Reunite Long-Separated Neighborhoods

NEWARK, NJ — It’s been a long time since Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood has been cut off from the city’s downtown area by a nearly impenetrable network of highway and railroad tracks. But that’s all going to change when a massive pedestrian walkway is built across Route 21, officials say.

Earlier this week, a large group of local and state officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy, gathered at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge.

When it’s complete, the bridge will give people a way to walk from downtown and Mulberry Commons Park to the Ironbound neighborhood in the city’s East Ward, which has become well-known in recent years for its clusters of outstanding Portuguese, Spanish and Brazilian restaurants and bakeries.

Commuters will also be able to directly access Newark Penn Station, one of the busiest train and bus depots in the region. Notably, the bridge will connect the station directly with the Prudential Center, a venue that has hosted some of the entertainment industry’s biggest events, including the MTV Video Music Awards.

The new walkway is expected to be a big boost for the economy and mass transportation. But more than that, it will also be a symbol of “unity,” supporters say.

“By connecting Newark Penn Station and the city’s downtown, the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge will not only promote active and public transportation in our state’s most populous city, but simultaneously catalyze economic growth and development for generations to come,” Gov. Murphy said.

“The highway and railroad tracks have divided us for generations,” agreed Allison Ladd, Newark deputy mayor and director of the Department of Housing and Economic Development.

“This groundbreaking is a milestone in our work to reunite and build a pedestrian bridge that will connect our city, our neighborhoods and our residents,” Ladd added.

The project’s director told Pix 11 News that construction will likely begin sometime next year.

According to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, the new bridge is part of an overall plan to create a “livable community” where businesses can thrive, people can gather for outdoor events, and children can safely play in New Jersey’s largest city.

The first phase of the project was the creation of Mulberry Commons Park in 2019, which serves as a link between Newark Penn Station and the Prudential Center. Read More: Newark's $10M Mulberry Commons Will Empower City, Mayor Says

“With today’s groundbreaking, we enter the second phase, which catapults the metamorphosis of downtown into the full expression of a livable community,” the mayor said.

“After decades of contemplating concepts and possibilities, Newark now cements a public/private collaboration to create a bustling habitat, dovetailing housing, employment, retail and entertainment,” Baraka added.

The money is in place to build the bridge, according to Baraka’s office, which released the following financial information in a statement about the groundbreaking:

• The city closed on $110 million Mass Transit Access Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2022 on November 22, 2022
• At closing, this financing generated approximately $103.7 million for the design and construction of the Mulberry Pedestrian Bridge
• The funds have been generating interest since closing through both the daily money market (current yield approximately 4.90%) and through the purchase of eligible U.S. Treasuries (approximate yield of 5.32%)
• Interest earnings on amounts in the construction fund will generate additional funds (presently estimated to be $5 million by mid-2024) to support the construction of the bridge
• The city has collected approximately $4.1 million year to date in Mass Transit Access Tax revenue and is on pace to slightly exceed what was estimated in the 2022 Parking Study

Several officials spoke in support of the project at this week’s news conference. They included:

New Jersey Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz – “Today, as we break ground on the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge Phase II in Newark, we celebrate not only the physical connection of neighborhoods but the unification of our community’s spirit. This bridge, set to link Newark Penn Station and the historic Ironbound neighborhood, represents more than just steel and concrete; it signifies progress, accessibility, and shared aspirations. Mass transit connectivity, as proven time and again, is an economic engine that propels communities forward. It creates opportunities, fosters growth, and enriches the lives of our residents and visitors alike. The Mulberry Commons Bridge is a symbol of our commitment to advancing the well-being of our city.”

Newark Municipal Council President LaMonica McIver – “As Newark continues to go forward, I am excited about breaking ground on the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge. Another step forward, with the creation of the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge here in Newark, means improving and providing pedestrian connectivity for communities and businesses, enhancing the pedestrian experience here in Newark, which in return will enhance the city’s destination status, and build more economic growth and development.”

East Ward Council Member Michael Silva – “This bridge will do much more than serve as a pedestrian walkway. This bridge will connect our city and unite its residents, visitors, and workforce. By fully celebrating and integrating the diversity of our city, we will grow stronger together as ‘One Newark.’”

Vince Baglivo, Executive Director of the Ironbound Business Improvement District – “The dynamic relationship between Newark’s downtown and the Ironbound will be a key contributor to the city’s continued redevelopment and economic success. The completion of the pedestrian bridge across Route 21 will be both a symbolic and practical example of positive change that will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors to Newark through improved connectivity.”

Sage & Coombe Architects Founding Partner Jennifer Sage – “This project prioritizes a state-of-the-art public space to celebrate the values of equity, sustainability and civic pride and will become Newark’s new landmark, providing a modern and inviting transit hub serving Newarkers and visitors alike. As the final phase of Mulberry Commons, the erection of a great new train hall and pedestrian bridge crossing the Northeast Corridor will bring much-needed green space, new economic energy to the city as a whole and restore an essential bond between the downtown and the Ironbound.”

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