Beginning on Earth Day this year, the Goethals Bridge shared-use path will stay open 24/7, welcoming pedestrians, cyclists, and eco-friendly commuters.
The path and its extended hours are an important aspect of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s commitment to supporting greener, more sustainable modes of transportation. The bridge spans the Arthur Kill, linking Elizabeth with the Howland Hook area of Staten Island.
The introduction of 24/7 access to the 10-foot-wide path is expected to further boost its usage. The path sees around 22,000 trips annually. In 2024, a total of 17,010 cyclists and 9,399 pedestrians used the route during its operational hours of 6 a.m. to midnight.
The new hours are anticipated to increase use during off-peak times, particularly early mornings and late evenings, which will accommodate non-drivers who work early, late or overnight shifts, commuters looking for an early start to their walks to work, or those looking to enjoy a nighttime walk or bike ride during the quietest times of the day.
“This new mobility option on the Goethals Bridge shared-use path is a critical step toward creating a vital active transportation system in our region,” said Debra Kagan, the executive director of the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition.
This expanded accessibility is expected to increase its popularity among the Elizabeth and Staten Island communities on either side, particularly after Elizabeth extended its Elizabeth River Trail. That two-mile greenway connects the Goethals’ shared-use path to West Jersey Street in Elizabeth.
The Goethals Bridge shared-use path is one of three Port Authority bridges offering accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The Bayonne Bridge and George Washington Bridge have new shared-use paths.
The first Goethals Bridge was built in 1928 and named after Major General George W. Goethals, builder of the Panama Canal and the first consulting engineer of the Port Authority. The Goethals Bridge and the Outerbridge Crossing were the first facilities constructed by the Port Authority; they opened the same day, June 29, 1928. The original Goethals Bridge was demolished in 2018 and replaced with the present Goethals Bridge.
The first Earth Day was held in 1970. The idea originated with Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin who was concerned about the environment following an oil spill off the California coast. He wanted to channel the energy of the anti-war movement of the 1960s into raising consciousness about air and water pollution. Nelson recruited activist Denis Hayes to organize campus teach-ins and bring the environmental message to the general public. April 22 was chosen as the day to maximize student involvement because that day fell between spring break and final exams.
