NYS&W Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Fact Sheet

What it is:

• Proposed 4.8 mile NYS&W Bicycle and Pedestrian Path that runs along the New York, Susquehanna, and Western Railway right-of-way and crosses the Norfolk Southern tracks at its southern terminus.
• Will be an exceptional transportation and recreational link for visitors and citizens in the region.
• Will link several schools, libraries, parks, and NJ TRANSIT rail service along the NYS&S corridor.

Where it is:

• Begins at River Drive, Pequannock Township and ends at the Mountain View rail station in Wayne Township.

Why build it?:

• Will provide a much-needed, non-auto dependant link between Pequannock and Wayne.
• Will improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians by offering another option to using NJ 23.
• Will create a multimodal link to the Mountain View railroad station in Wayne.

How it came about:

• Morris County received $240,000 of federal funding, which showed a need for the path. The study recommended overall path design, access points, public safety, environmental protection, alignments, alternatives, and any associated impacts.
• Pequannock received a $736,000 Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant, which was transferred to the county for a portion of the construction.

What's happening now:

• An agreement must be reached with the Norfolk Southern to allow a safe crossing of their railroad tracks at the southern terminus near Mountain View Station.
• Morris County has agreed to maintain and patrol the entire path.
• The County, NJ TRANSIT, and the municipalities are jointly going to insure the path. The NYS&W has agreed in principal to this arrangement. Liability with the Norfolk Southern will be negotiated when a crossing is granted.

What's next:

• Final design and engineering to be completed with the federal funds.
• The first phase of final design will be to determine the meets and bounds of the path. An appraisal will be completed after the survey is completed.
• Money has been allocated in the Transportation Improvement Program for engineering, Right of Way acquisition, and construction.
• Public involvement is a key component during these final steps leading to construction.
• Construction of the NYS&W Bicycle and Pedestrian Path and maintenance agreements with the Morris County Park Commission.