Years of preparation, along with three years of building work and a $32 million grant, set the stage for the Pompton Valley Rail Trail, which spans 5.1 miles as a combined walking and cycling route extending from Pequannock to Wayne.
Officials from the Morris County Park Commission and Department of Public Works, along with members of the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners and representatives from Pequannock Township, convened behind Pequannock Town Hall on May 29 for an official ceremony to unveil the trail to the public.
The paved trail now covers the old route of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad’s Greenwood Lake Branch. It stretches from River Drive in Pequannock all the way to Mountain View Boulevard in Wayne, close to NJ Transit’s Mountain View Station.
The narrative proceeds beneath the image collection.
The pathway, featuring access points that meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, was created for both leisurely walks and as an alternate route for those commuting to the railway station.
This initiative demonstrates how alternative transport options can transform neighborhoods,” said Chris Vitz, Morris County engineer and director of public works, in an official statement. “Community members now enjoy a secure and picturesque path for walking or cycling to the railway station, which aids in decreasing automobile congestion.
The construction started in 2022 and received funding from a $32 million federal grant managed by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
Approximately $11 million was allocated for design and land acquisitions, with an additional $21 million being spent on construction, according to officials. The building process commenced in June 2022.
Iconic bridge stretches across the Pompton River
The safety enhancements incorporated into the initiative encompass enhanced intersections equipped with high-visibility indicators, unambiguous signs, and textured pathways designed for visually impaired individuals. One of the concluding components finished was an iconic bridge traversing the Pompton River.
“This initiative doesn’t just link people with the Mountain View train station in Wayne; it also moves us further toward achieving our broader objective of establishing an extensive regional trail system,” stated Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, who has served as a member of the NJTPA Board of Trustees since 2013.
Dave Helmer, who serves as the director of the Morris County Park Commission, anticipates that the trail will draw between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors annually.
“This new trail provides a safe and scenic way to walk or bike to the train station, cutting down on car traffic and helping everyone breathe a little easier,” Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen said. “The 10-foot-wide paved path is fully accessible and has multiple entry points, allowing residents to step onto the trail right from their neighborhoods.”
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record:
A $32 million recreational trail has opened along an old railway path connecting Pequannock and Wayne.
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