US Route 22 is a deadly road.  If you live in Union County or drive on Route 22 through Union, you have seen people regularly risking their lives to cross the highway.  While Union County does provide a shuttle service to transport pedestrians across, it is clearly an ineffective solution.  Nearly every year​, someone is killed on this dangerous stretch of Stroad.  

The solution is simple.  People walking and people on bikes NEED A BRIDGE!  Currently there is no pedestrian access to the center island and bridge crossings of the highway are over 2 miles apart.  If you use public transit, can't afford, or simply don't want to drive a car, it is nearly impossible to safely navigate this area.

Fortunately, a perfect spot to build a new bridge is already available thanks to the abandoned Rahway Valley Railroad (RVR).  The property that was formerly the RVR is now owned by the NJDOT and spans 7.3 miles from Roselle Park to Summit.  Work has already begun to convert the abandoned rail into a trail with the help of the National Rails To Trails Conservancy.   

We are calling on on our County Commissioners, State Assemblyman Atkins, Assemblywoman Quijano, State Senator Cryan, Governor Murphy, US Representative Payne, US Senator Booker, and Senator Menendez to work together to access the HISTORIC FEDERAL FUNDING available for just this type of project.  

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant program supports the National Roadway Safety Strategy and the US Department of Transportation's goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways.  The 600,000+ residents of Union County deserve a connected system of trails.  Building this bridge and the Rahway Valley Rail Trail will help reduce pedestrians deaths as well as emissions through a safe active transportation network. 

You can contact me at thebikingfireman@gmail.com 

Now is the time to act.  Lets all work together to Bridge the Gap!