Pompton Valley Rail Trail Partially Open to the Public

Completion of Project Expected By Spring as Morris County Continues Work

The Pompton Valley Rail Trail, formerly known as the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Bicycle and Pedestrian Shared Use Path, is now partially open to the public, although construction is continuing with full completion anticipated by late winter or early spring 2025.

The 4.8-mile trail project, which is federally funded, has been spearheaded by Morris County and the Morris County Park Commission, with the goal of repurposing an abandoned railway into a non-motorized recreational path stretching from Pequannock Township in Morris County to Wayne Township in Passaic County. Proposed and in design for many years, construction of the trail began in June 2022.

“Transforming this corridor into a community asset and preserving its historical character as a rail line has been a rewarding challenge,” said Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, liaison to the Public Works Department. “We’re thrilled to see the trail open to residents and visitors who can now enjoy safe, accessible access to both natural and urban landscapes. Our work on the remaining southern section reflects our commitment to completing a first-class trail for everyone to enjoy.”

The path north of the Pompton River crossing is open to the public, with some final touches remaining. However, due to ongoing fabrication issues with railings for the Pompton River Bridge and a 2,150-foot elevated path south of Ryerson Avenue, the southern portion in Wayne Township remains closed. The community is urged to refrain from crossing these features, as it poses a significant safety concern without the railings in place.

Ultimately, the path will feature a 10-foot-wide paved surface, beginning at River Drive in Pequannock near Route 23, connecting with the township’s Aquatic Park and extending south to Mountainview Boulevard near NJ Transit’s Mountain View rail station in Wayne.

Various safety improvements have been installed at intersections with active roadways, including advanced warning signs, painted alerts on the road and trail, and detectable warning surfaces to assist visually impaired users. ADA-accessible features have also been included at intersections and integrated where feasible along the trail. Key intersections, such as Alexander Avenue, Jackson Avenue, and Newark-Pompton Turnpike, have been equipped with Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons to enhance crossing safety.

While these improvements were made to enhance visibility and provide advanced warnings at crossings, path users are still highly encouraged to come to a full stop and look both ways before crossing any intersection.

Morris County’s Department of Engineering will continue to address inquiries about the trail’s construction, and the Morris County Park Commission can be contacted regarding general maintenance of the completed sections.