Newark officials have broken ground on a pedestrian bridge that will provide a connection from Newark Penn Station to the central business district.
The Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge will provide a direct connection from the Ironbound’s shops and restaurants, to the Prudential Center. It’s the second phase of a long talked about project to connect two of Newark’s most popular destinations.
“We’ve moved past a park, and now we’re building a bridge that will add to the upgrade of Newark Penn Station and will connect communities that were divided because of McCarter Highway,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, referencing State Route 21, a major highway that runs through the city.
“Route 21 may as well have been the Hudson River, because of the separation it represented in the minds of so many folks,” said Vince Baglivo, Executive Director of the Ironbound Business Improvement District. “What some have called the Great Wall of Newark, despite it’s amazing linear mural has been an impediment to economic growth in this city for too long. It’s going to change with this bridge, and we’re just excited to see it happening.”
Mayor Ras Baraka says the pedestrian bridge will spark investment in the long-term parking lots and areas surrounding the Prudential Center.
“For commercial, retail, residential. More people down here, more density, more walkability. A 24 hour night life in the city,” he said. “It changes the center of gravity from Broad and Market to this area of the city, where more art and entertainment is taking place. Connect it to Ferry Street in the Ironbound with some of the best cuisine, I think this is a home run for us.”
“What we’re working with is a kind of reference to great train stations that we’ve known and loved,” said Jennifer Sage is one of the partners at Sage and Coombe Architects. Sage and her team were tasked with designing the Mulberry Common’s Pedestrian Bridge.
We’re standing where the bridge will begin in Mulberry Common’s Park, as she describes what the bridge will look like walking towards Newark Penn Station.
“When you’re standing here and walking across McCarter Highway, there will be a grove of birch trees, eventually a Magnolia or two, some cherry’s which is of course the tree that Newark loves so much. It’s really just about public space,” said Sage.
She says the bridge design will complement the park while also paying homage to the near century old train station.
“We’re building a sort of series of arches. Which is a very traditional form for historic stations and train sheds as they traditionally call them. It’s a series of arches that create a big public space,” said Sage.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says he looks forward to using the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge, calling it a game changer for the city of Newark.
“Families that can’t traverse McCarter Highway will feel free and safe to do so,” said Murphy. “I just think the society, the backbone of society in Newark will be so strengthened. It is already strong. This will take it to a new level."
Officials expect to cut the ribbon on the Mulberry Common’s Pedestrian Bridge in 18 to 24 months.