The Open Space Institute, with the support of many local and regional partners, including the New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition and the September 11th National Memorial Trail, is actively working with Norfolk Southern Rail Corporation to acquire nearly nine miles of out-of-use trackbed and right-of-way for a greenway-related project in Essex and Hudson Counties.
As Norfolk Southern has recently begun their process to allow for the rail line's potential handover, we continue to pursue the reality of a shared-use linear park that would improve the public's access to nature, enhance transportation options, and benefit all of the communities along its route.
While the current public health emergency has intervened in an already challenging process, we are optimistic that this vision will soon be realized, and we will continue to share our progress with as much detail as possible.