About the Project
The Palisades Shared Use Path Study is a project to explore the feasibility of making connections between the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey to the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in South Nyack, New York more intuitive, and more accessible for people walking, biking, running, and rolling. The Palisades Shared Use Path Study area extends about 20 miles along the west side of the Hudson River, traversing busy roadways, historic downtowns, and public parklands, including Palisades Interstate Park and Tallman Mountain State Park.
Where is the Palisades Shared Use Path Study area?
The study area extends from the George Washington Bridge to the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, traversing the city of Englewood, and the Boroughs of Englewood Cliffs, Tenafly, and Alpine in New Jersey. In New York, it passes through the Town of Orangetown (including the Hamlets of Palisades, Sparkill, Orangeburg, and South Nyack) and the Villages of Piermont and Grand View-on-Hudson. The corridor follows the Palisades Interstate Parkway and U.S. 9W - the southernmost portion of New York State Bicycle Route 9 - which connects New York City to Rouses Point on the Canadian border.
Why is this study happening now?
The completion of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge shared use path created a new crossing over the lower Hudson River for walkers and bikers for the first time in nearly 90 years. Before this path opened in 2020, the closest crossing to the George Washington Bridge was the Bear Mountain Bridge, nearly 40 miles to the north. This new crossing, along with the ongoing upgrades to the George Washington Bridge shared use paths, are expected to increase bicycle traffic along the U.S. 9W corridor between these two bridges. This study will explore the feasibility of making connections safer, more intuitive, and more accessible between the two bridges, as well as the feasibility of other enhancements for various users along the U.S. 9W corridor through Palisades Interstate Park.
Study Objectives
The objectives of this study are to explore the feasibility of making connections between the George Washington Bridge and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge safer, more intuitive, and more accessible for people walking, biking, running, and rolling.
Explore the feasibility and potential benefits of improving connections for various users, by assessing the physical and social characteristics of various routes.
Identify how the corridor can be improved, considering factors such as safety, environmental impacts, proximity to parks, businesses and other key destinations, and connectivity to other paths.
Engage with local residents, business owners, government agencies, and advocacy groups to gather input, address concerns, and build support for the study.
Study Outcomes
A determination of overall project feasibility. Feasibility will be determined based on a variety of factors, such as topography, community character, safety, and balancing the needs of various users.
A final recommendation that accounts for connections that can be made safer, more intuitive, and more accessible.
Opportunities for amenities, gathering spaces, and aesthetic elements will be identified.
A documented implementation plan and next steps will be created and distributed.
Design-planning requirements and cost estimates will be identified and announced.
