Governor Murphy Breaks Ground on New Jersey’s Rail-to-Trail Greenway Project

Governor Phil Murphy, alongside state, county, and local officials, officially broke ground on the highly-anticipated Greenway project in Newark, which will transform a 9-mile former rail line into New Jersey's newest state park. Spanning Essex and Hudson Counties, the 100-foot-wide Greenway will stretch from Jersey City to Montclair and is expected to open by the end of 2026, making it the largest single investment in the state's history for a new state park.

The project, led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), is being managed by AECOM Tishman and overseen by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). With a total cost of $69.2 million, the Greenway will provide a much-needed green space for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Governor Murphy, NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. In his speech, Governor Murphy highlighted the importance of the project for the community, stating, "The Greenway project will not only create a beautiful and accessible green space for our residents, but it will also promote economic growth and environmental sustainability."

The Greenway project has faced some opposition in the past, with concerns about the displacement of residents and the potential for increased gentrification in the area. However, with proper management and oversight, the project has the potential to positively impact the community while also providing much-needed green space.

Originally reported by