Johnson Trolley Trail Connection over I-295 Concept Development Study

Project Overview

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is conducting a Concept Development Study for the Johnson Trolley Trail Connection over I-295. The study will develop alternatives for a bicycle and pedestrian bridge spanning I-295 in the vicinity of Rider University.

Project Purpose 

The purpose of the project is to link the northern and southern segments of the Johnson Trolley Trail across I-295 in Lawrence Township to create a connected bicycle and pedestrian corridor and would allow for safer off-road connections between residential, commercial, and institutional land uses within Mercer County.

Johnson Trolley Trail crossing at Denow Road

Project Delivery Process

NJDOT has implemented a Project Delivery Process that complies with both federal and state regulations. This process encompasses the entire lifecycle of a project, from initiation to construction. Currently, this study is in the Concept Development Phase.

01

Problem
Screening

02

Concept Development

03

Preliminary Engineering

04

Final
Design

05

Construction

Project Details

Throughout the study, NJDOT will:

  • Evaluate various alternatives for a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge over I-295.
  • Identify a preliminary preferred alternative that meets the project purpose and need.

The Johnson Trolley Trail consists of two separate segments along the abandoned Johnson Trolley Rail Line. The northern segment extends between Denow Road and Phillips Avenue, and the southern segment extends between the Rider University campus and Whitehead Road Extension in Ewing Township. Between these two unconnected trail segments lies a 0.38-mile gap that includes a crossing of I-295, which presents a major accessibility barrier for the trail. This concept development study seeks to analyze alternatives for a bridge over I-295 and select a preliminary preferred alternative that will connect these two trail segments while minimizing impacts to the surrounding community.

Project Milestones

Public Involvement

How We’re Engaging

Public participation is essential for the success of NJDOT’s transportation programs and projects. The organization is dedicated to including the community’s voices in transportation decision-making. Here are the outreach efforts that will allow community members to help shape this project.

Event Dates Description
Public Information Center TBD Public meeting to discuss potential solutions and gather public comment.

Not available at this time.

Not available at this time.

Contact Us

Project Leaders

Nikunj Lathia
Project Manager


Mustafa Hussain 
Assistant Project Manager


Kimberley Nance
Office of Government and Community Relations

Name