Our Vision is to Activate the Bergen Arches as a Shared-Use Greenway
We advocate for preserving the historical, environmental, and cultural aspects that give the Arches their urbanistic qualities.
HISTORY OF THE ARCHES
The Bergen Arches—originally known as the Bergen Archways—were built between 1906 and 1909 at the height of America’s railroad era. Constructed by the Erie Railroad Company, the corridor connected North Jersey to the Pavonia Terminal, where ferries carried passengers into Manhattan.
Carved through Bergen Hill using over 250,000 pounds of dynamite and nearly 800,000 cubic yards of rock removal, the Arches were one of the great engineering feats of their time. For decades, they helped establish Jersey City as a major transportation hub, though their construction also divided neighborhoods and impacted surrounding communities.
With the rise of automobile travel and the opening of the Holland Tunnel, rail use declined, and by 1957 the corridor fell into disuse. Today, the Bergen Arches remain largely dormant—owned by NJ Transit and shaped by a complex network of agencies—yet full of untapped potential.
In the years since, nature and creativity have reclaimed the space. Vegetation has formed a unique urban ecology within the rock walls, while artists have transformed the corridor into an evolving canvas. What was once a vital rail passage is now a hidden landscape—waiting to be reimagined.
FUTURE IDEAS
Renderings by BAPC
Our Mission
Bergen Arches is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and reimagining the corridor as a shared public resource. We advocate for a vision that balances historical preservation, environmental stewardship, and community access.
Our goal is to transform the Arches into a safe, accessible, and enduring public space—supporting walking and cycling, expanding green space, and creating opportunities for cultural, educational, and community use—while reconnecting neighborhoods and reflecting the character of Jersey City.
A Vision for the Future
With thoughtful planning and community input, the Bergen Arches could become a multi-use greenway that serves residents, visitors, and future generations.
Potential uses include:
A shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists
Landscaped green space and ecological restoration
Public art and cultural programming
Educational opportunities highlighting local history and geology
This vision is not just about revitalizing a space—it is about creating a lasting public resource that reflects the character and needs of Jersey City.
Why It Matters?
Opportunities like the Bergen Arches are uncommon—especially in dense, rapidly growing cities.
This corridor has the potential to:
Expand access to green space where it is most needed
Provide safe, off-street routes for walking and cycling
Reconnect neighborhoods divided by infrastructure
Preserve a unique piece of Jersey City’s history
Support long-term economic and community development
How this space is used will shape the surrounding neighborhoods for generations. Decisions made today will determine whether the Arches remain inaccessible—or become a shared public asset.
Get Involved
The future of the Bergen Arches is still being shaped, and community voices play an essential role in that process.
If you care about expanding green space, improving connectivity, and preserving local history, there are ways to help:
Stay informed about updates and developments
Share the vision with others in your community
Participate in public discussions and planning efforts