South Orange Village announced on Wednesday that construction is underway on Phase 2 of the River Greenway Project, for what Village officials call “a major step forward” in the Village’s long-term effort to create a continuous pedestrian and bicycle corridor along the East Branch of the Rahway River.
Following approvals from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), site clearing has begun and construction will continue through the fall and early winter, Village officials said in a news release on Wednesday. Installation of the new pedestrian bridge and substantial completion of Phase 2 are currently projected for January 2027.
Phase 2 will extend the Greenway from Third Street through Waterlands Park to Chyzowych Field, near the Maplewood border at Parker Avenue. A new pedestrian and bicycle bridge will carry the Greenway over the Rahway River past the Department of Public Works yard and the former pump house, creating an important new connection along the river corridor.
“This is an exciting milestone for a project that South Orange has been working toward for many years,” said Mayor Sheena Collum. “The River Greenway connects neighborhoods, parks and people while creating more opportunities to safely walk, bike and enjoy one of our community’s most important natural resources. With Phase 2 now under construction, we are significantly closer to realizing the vision of a connected Greenway through South Orange.”
Land being cleared for the Greenway project. (Photo courtesy of South Orange Village)
South Orange has been working since the early 2000s to establish a Greenway along the East Branch of the Rahway River with the long-term goal of creating a corridor from West Montrose Avenue to Maplewood to connect parks and other open spaces while providing a car-free route for walking, biking and scootering and helping to protect waterways and natural habitat.
The first phase of the River Greenway was completed in Meadowland Park between 2008 and 2014. Existing paths and bridges extend from Meadowbrook Lane, past Flood’s Hill and the South Orange Pool, to South Orange Avenue.
The Village has secured approximately $4 million in funding for Phase 2 from a federal non-motorized transportation grant, supplemented by state and county funding, according to the announcement.
“Getting to construction on a project of this size requires years of planning, engineering, environmental review and coordination among multiple state and federal agencies,” said Village Administrator Julie Doran. “The $4 million in grant funding represents a significant investment in South Orange and allows us to continue building a safer, more connected network for pedestrians and cyclists.”
The path at the back of Waterlands that will lead to a pedestrian and bike bridge crossing the Rahway. (Photo by Laura Griffin)
Construction activity will be visible in and around Waterlands Park, Chyzowych Field and the Department of Public Works area as the project progresses. The Village will provide updates regarding construction activity, access impacts and significant project milestones throughout the work.
Once Phase 2 is complete, the new path and bridge will provide an expanded off-road connection through the river corridor and bring South Orange another significant step closer to its long-term goal of a continuous Greenway.
For project plans, construction updates and additional information, visit the River Corridor Project page at River Greenway Project.
A map of the Greenway project.
