In Cherry Hill, federal, state and local officials gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the $108 million Camden County LINK Trail, marking the start of construction on the highly anticipated greenway that will stretch from the Delaware River to the Pine Barrens.
The 34-mile, multiuse, off-road trail is designed to serve as the “spine” for a countywide trail network that will extend from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Camden City to the Atlantic County line in lower Winslow Township.
Along the way, the trail will travel through urban, suburban and rural environments, connecting many municipal and county parks as well as several downtown business districts.
“Today is a truly historic day as we are formally beginning construction on the Camden County LINK Trail after almost a decade of feasibility studies, public meetings and securing funding,” said Commissioner Jeff Nash, liaison to the Camden County Parks Department.
“I am so thrilled to see this project become a reality. The LINK Trail will provide residents throughout Camden County with access to passive recreation and enable them a safe and scenic path to walk, bike or run throughout our beautiful county.”
Since the project’s inception nearly a decade ago, the Camden County board of commissioners have worked with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the State Historic Preservation Office and the mayors and officials of local municipalities to make the LINK Trail a reality.
“After nearly a decade of planning and partnership, it’s exciting to see construction finally begin on the Camden County LINK Trail,” said Congressman Donald Norcross.
“Thanks in part to $13.6 million in federal funding I helped deliver through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this project will connect communities, support local businesses and give families more opportunities to walk, run and bike outdoors.”
“We are excited to welcome the Camden County LINK Trail to our communities,” said Assemblymen Bill Spearman and Bill Moen in a joint statement.
“This transformative project will connect our neighborhoods, promote a healthier lifestyle and deliver economic benefits to residents and business owners alike. As this historic project unfolds, we look forward to sharing its many rewards with residents across Camden County.”
The LINK Trail will be a part of the Circuit Trails Network, which will become an interconnected series of multiuse trails in nine counties on both sides of the Delaware River.
