MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County residents and trail users are being asked to help identify gaps and barriers in the region’s trail network through an online survey by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, known as NJTPA.
The online survey seeks input from people who walk, bike, or roll in Morris, Passaic, and Union counties, including feedback on where connections between trails and nearby destinations could be made safer, easier, and more comfortable.
Responses will help inform recommendations being developed through NJTPA studies of the Pompton Valley Rail Trail and the Traction Line Recreation Trail.
“Whether you walk or bike these trails regularly or just enjoy them from time to time, we want to hear from you. Your knowledge and experience of our trails helps us identify opportunities to improve safety and make our trail network even better,” said Morris County Commissioner Stephen H. Shaw, Third Vice Chair of the NJTPA Board of Trustees. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your ideas.”
The NJTPA is also seeking input from residents who would like to walk or bike more but encounter barriers that make those trips difficult. Survey responses can help identify locations where missing connections, crossings, or other conditions prevent people from comfortably continuing their trips.
Improving connections between existing trails can make them more useful for both recreation and everyday travel, providing better access to neighborhoods, parks, open spaces, transit, and other destinations.
The survey is part of two NJTPA studies exploring potential improvements to the Pompton Valley Rail Trail and the Traction Line Recreation Trail. The Pompton Valley Rail Trail Extension Study is exploring ways to connect the northern end of the trail in Pequannock Township and the southern end of the Highlands Rail Trail in Wanaque Borough, as well as connecting the trail to the Mountain View Train Station in Wayne. The Traction Line Recreation Trail Extension Study is exploring options for connecting the Traction Line to Patriot’s Path and the Rahway Valley Rail Trail.
The studies are being conducted in partnership with the North Jersey Trail Network initiative, led by the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
Residents can take the survey online. The survey will remain open through Monday, September 7. More information about the trail studies is available on NJTPA’s website.
