Decades of planning, three years of construction and a $32 million grant laid the groundwork for the Pompton Valley Rail Trail, a 5.1-mile multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path running between Pequannock and Wayne.
Representatives of the Morris County Park Commission and Department of Public Works, the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners and Pequannock Township gathered on May 29 behind Pequannock Town Hall to officially open the trail to the public.
Paved over the former New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad’s Greenwood Lake Branch rail line, the path runs from River Drive in Pequannock to Mountain View Boulevard in Wayne, near NJ Transit’s Mountain View Station.
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The path, which includes entry points compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, was designed both for recreational use and for commuters seeking an alternative route to the train station.
“This project shows how transportation alternatives can reshape communities,” Chris Vitz, Morris County engineer and director of public works, said in a release. "Residents now have a safe, scenic way to walk or bike to the train station, helping reduce car traffic."
Construction began in 2022 and was funded by a $32 million federal grant administered by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
Nearly $11 million was spent on design and right-of-way purchases, and construction cost about $21 million, officials said. Construction began in June 2022.
Landmark bridge spans the Pompton River
Safety features added to the project include upgraded crossings with high-visibility signals, clear signage and tactile surfaces for visually impaired users. A landmark bridge spanning the Pompton River was among the final elements completed.
“This project not only connects folks to the Mountain View train station in Wayne, but also brings us one step closer to our vision for a much larger regional trail network,” said Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, who has been a member of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority board of trustees since 2013.
Morris County Park Commission Director Dave Helmer said he expects the path to attract 150,000 to 200,00 visitors a year.
“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."