A 32-Mile-Long Cycling & Pedestrian Path Heads To NYC
After years of planning officials are finally making moves on the 32-mile cycling and pedestrian path heading to Manhattan’s waterfront. The path, whose plans were first put into place during former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration, will close one of the biggest gaps on the East River greenway.
The East River Greenway is part of the larger Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, which includes the Hudson River Greenway and the Harlem River Greenway. In total the trails make up a 32-mile path that runs along Manhattan’s waterfront.
As reported by Gothamist, on August 22nd the city Economic Development Corporation began the search for contractors to oversee the $120 million project. The path will stretch just under one mile and be built atop pillars on the waterway between East 41st and East 53rd Streets near the United Nations.
Officials first broke ground on the project back in November 2019, and a section of the pathway was opened between East 53rd and East 61st Streets last year. However, the path ends right before reaching the UN, which means pedestrians and cyclists must walk and bike along traffic-heavy First and Second Avenues–this project will change that.
Officials will also extend the path along a portion of the Harlem River and fix up a decaying portion of it between East 94th and East 124th Streets.
Beyond the path itself, a protected bicycle lane will be installed along the First Avenue tunnel between East 40th and 49th Streets by September 10th ahead of the U.N. General Assembly.
According to amNY James Patchett, president CEO of the city’s Economic Development Corporation who is overseeing the project, said back in 2019:
Creating a continuous loop of public open space around the perimeter of Manhattan is key to enhancing quality of life for all New Yorkers by allowing use of the waterfront for enjoyment and safe travel.
The cycling and pedestrian path is expected to open by the end of 2028.
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