Newark Greenway Work Moves Into Planting Phase as State Seeks Public Name for New Park
Work on Newark’s nearly one-mile first phase of the Essex-Hudson Greenway has moved into planting and soil-protection work, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The segment remains a construction site and is not open for general public use.
The Newark section runs from Branch Brook Park Drive to Broadway. Current NJDEP project materials say the section is aimed at opening in 2027, so the visible landscaping work marks construction progress—not an immediate opening.
More than 170,000 native plants are planned
NJDEP says more than 170,000 native trees, shrubs, grasses and other perennials will be planted over the coming months along the Newark segment. The planting is intended to establish the landscape for the future walking and biking corridor while adding green space, habitat and gathering areas.
Plans for the Newark phase include a Branch Brook Park Overlook, a community space near Tiffany Manor and the Newark Central Activity Center between Summer Avenue and Broadway. The central area is designed to include a performance stage and lawn, an accessible playground, restrooms, exercise stations, community-garden space, a picnic grove and multi-sport courts.
The overlook is also planned to connect with neighboring Branch Brook Park through a pedestrian path. Those features are part of the future design; they are not currently available for public use.
Orange barrier and clean soil cover historic fill
Construction crews are also installing an orange geotextile layer over historic fill in the Newark corridor. NJDEP describes the fill as material of unknown origin—including soil, gravel, construction debris and industrial material—placed more than a century ago during construction of the former rail line.
Certified clean soil is being placed above the barrier to hold it in place and provide another protective layer. NJDEP says nutrient-rich planting soil will be added as the final layer for the native landscaping.
The work is described as a way to manage and cover historic fill. The project materials do not establish that all historic contamination or environmental risks have been eliminated.
The route remains closed during construction
NJDEP’s project FAQ says the future park property is closed to public access while it is under development. Access is limited to approved guided events, such as scheduled walks.
Residents should therefore not treat the planting milestone as permission to enter the corridor. The next practical milestone is completion of construction, followed by an official opening announcement. NJDEP’s 2027 date is a target, not a guaranteed completion date.
The public naming vote has ended
NJDEP opened a public vote to choose the official name for the future state park, which has been known informally as the Essex-Hudson Greenway. Voting closed at 4 p.m. on June 29, 2026.
That naming process is separate from the construction schedule. For Newark residents, the immediate change is continued work on the landscape and soil-protection systems. The eventual benefit—new walking and biking access, green space and community facilities near Branch Brook Park and Broadway—depends on the remaining construction and the state’s formal opening decision.
Sources
Discover more from Interactive News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
