The Liberty State Park Bridge is a new $10 million project by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, set to be completed by December 2021. This bridge will connect Downtown Jersey City with Liberty State Park, providing a more convenient access route for both motorists and cyclists.
What is the Liberty State Park Bridge?
The Liberty State Park Bridge is a new vehicular and pedestrian bridge that extends Jersey Avenue over Mill Creek, connecting Downtown Jersey City with Liberty State Park. The bridge includes one vehicular lane in each direction, a sidewalk, and bike lanes, making it easier for both drivers and non-motorized travelers to access the park.
Key Features of the Liberty State Park Bridge
The Liberty State Park Bridge offers several key features that make it a valuable addition to the area:
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Improved Connectivity: The bridge will provide a direct connection between Downtown Jersey City and Liberty State Park, which was previously only accessible by foot via the Ethel Pesin Liberty Footbridge.
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Multimodal Access: The bridge accommodates both vehicular and non-motorized traffic, with one lane in each direction, a sidewalk, and dedicated bike lanes.
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New Roadway: The bridge extends Jersey Avenue over Mill Creek, creating a new roadway called Mill Creek Lane that will connect with the existing Audrey Zapp Drive and Johnston and Phillip Streets.
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Traffic Light Installation: A new traffic light will be installed at the intersection of the new Mill Creek Lane and the existing roadways.
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Pedestrian and Bicycle Access: The Ethel Pesin Liberty Footbridge will remain open throughout the construction, maintaining pedestrian and bicycle access to the park.
Benefits of the Liberty State Park Bridge
The Liberty State Park Bridge is expected to provide several benefits to the local community and visitors to the park:
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Improved Access: The bridge will make it easier for both motorists and non-motorized travelers to access Liberty State Park, which was previously only accessible by foot.
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Reduced Traffic Congestion: The new roadway and traffic light are expected to help alleviate traffic congestion in the area, particularly for those commuting to the Holland Tunnel.
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Enhanced Recreational Opportunities: The improved access to Liberty State Park will make it easier for visitors to enjoy the park’s scenic waterfront, recreational facilities, and other amenities.
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Economic Development: The increased accessibility to Liberty State Park may also contribute to economic development in the surrounding areas, as more people are able to visit and enjoy the park.
Potential Concerns and Mitigation Efforts
While the Liberty State Park Bridge project has been generally well-received, there have been some concerns raised by Downtown Jersey City residents:
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Increased Traffic: Some residents are concerned that the new bridge may lead to an increase in traffic, as commuters may use local streets to access the Holland Tunnel.
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Mitigation Efforts: To address these concerns, the Turnpike Authority has stated that control of the roadway will be turned over to Jersey City upon completion of the project, allowing the city to implement any necessary traffic management measures.
Accessing the Liberty State Park Bridge
For those interested in visiting Liberty State Park, the nearest bus stop to the Pedestrian Bridge To Liberty State Park in Jersey City is Grand St at Jersey Ave, which is a 2-minute walk away.
Conclusion
The Liberty State Park Bridge is a significant infrastructure project that will greatly improve access to one of New Jersey’s most scenic and popular state parks. By providing a direct connection between Downtown Jersey City and Liberty State Park, the bridge will make it easier for both motorists and non-motorized travelers to enjoy the park’s many amenities. While there are some concerns about potential traffic impacts, the Turnpike Authority and local officials are working to address these issues and ensure the bridge’s successful completion and integration into the community.