Work on South Brunswick Freedom Trail Bikeway to Begin Soon

Cycling enthusiasts will soon have a new bikeway to explore South Brunswick.

Bids for renovations on the township's Freedom Trail bike path are expected back on Aug. 16. Once completed, the 10-mile bikeway will run from Ridge Road in Kingston to Route 1, and on the western side of Route 1 the path will run by Stouts Lane, across New Road and then back to Ridge Road.

"This will offer pedestrians a bike path that goes through natural areas that are undeveloped and will serve as a recreation tool," said Public Affairs Coordinator 

The Freedom Trail project is expected to cost about $500,000 and will be paid for by a grant from the Department of Transportation. South Brunswick was among 33 municipalities and counties statewide to share in the $7.6 million grants awarded under four state-funded local aid programs– Transit Village, Centers of Place, Bikeways and Safe Streets to Transit – run by the DOT. The grants were awarded in early 2010. 

The project will include the clearing away of shrubbery and overgrown vegetation, installation of asphalt and signage, as well as posts to keep motor vehicles from entering the trail.

"The path will still give residents a chance to bicycle or walk safely off roads that are heavily traveled by cars," Schmalz said. "They can go from Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction to Route 1 in the area of Dow Jones. On the opposite side they'll be able to go from the Mapleton Preserve and be able to ride to Route 1."

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