to stretch from
Metuchen to Woodbridge
Greenway slated
to stretch from
Metuchen to Woodbridge
BY BRYAN SABELLA
Staff Writer
METUCHEN — Local residents can look forward to a state-of-the-art new recreational attraction in the near future, according to Mayor Ed O’ Brien.
Last year, the county purchased a tract of land that runs along the old Lehigh Valley rail line from Conrail using open space funds.
Just over three miles long, it is projected that the Middlesex County Greenway will serve as a regional destination for recreation. A multi-use trail, officials say, it will be perfect for activities such as biking, hiking and running.
The trail runs from Middlesex Avenue in Metuchen, through north Edison and into Woodbridge, where it would end at Crows Mill Road.
Additionally, O’Brien said that the county recently acquired a 2-acre parcel of land at the greenway’s west end that will serve as a park at the head of the trail.
Plans are underway to landscape the trail and its entryways, and furnish it with such amenities as benches, bicycle racks, trash receptacles and signage.
The project should be completed by 2005, O’ Brien said.
While in its current state, the greenway is undeveloped and overgrown in many spots, according to O’Brien. Nevertheless, the trail is used by residents now.
"I’ve seen people cross-country skiing there. I’ve ridden my bike there, but it’s muddy," the mayor said.
All of that is slated to change soon.
Piscataway-based engineering firm Jacobs-BBL’s plans for developing the Greenway were reviewed by a joint meeting of the Metuchen Environmental and Recreation Commissions on Jan. 13.
The designs call for Metuchen access points at Middlesex and Lake avenues, Green Street and South Main Street. Commissioners recommended moving the Main Street access further southeast and suggested adding an additional access point for the disabled at Rose Street.
Commissioners also recommended a maximum possible width of 12 feet to accommodate shared usage of the trail.
Surfacing the trail with stone dust was also recommended as concern was raised that an asphalt surface "would promote the use of motorized vehicles and encourage graffiti."
The Greenway may also be considered "green" in that commissioners endorsed the use of natural materials for all signage and solar lighting at entry points.
The only bone of contention raised among the commissioners was the portion of the trail that would run underneath Route 1 via a pedestrian tunnel. Safety concerns regarding its dimensions were expressed, and commissioners suggested reworking the concept.
O’Brien is confident work will get under way on the project this year.
"I expect those design issues to be resolved shortly," he said.