Resources
PROJECT AREA
This campaign is focused on reconnecting all of Trenton to its riverfront through a phased, strategic approach.
Currently, Mercer County is leading a Local Concept Development (LCD) Study—an independent but integral effort—to determine the viability of the boulevard concept originally proposed in earlier studies. The LCD Study aims to produce a clearly defined and well-justified Purpose and Need Statement, which will assess whether the existing concept:
- Still aligns with current design standards and planning goals and is ready to advance to the Local Preliminary Engineering Phase;
- Requires refinement or the exploration of alternative designs to address updated priorities such as climate resiliency; or
- Should be discontinued entirely, resulting in a "No-Build" outcome.
This study phase is scheduled to conclude in the first quarter of 2026. The study area for the LCD is the portion of Route 29 extending from the Trenton Water Filtration Plant to Cooper’s Riverview restaurant.
SUCCESS STORIES FROM COMPLETED HIGHWAY TO BOULEVARD PROJECTS
At the heart of every great city is its ability to adapt and grow while preserving the essence of its community. In this section, we share the success stories from completed projects nationwide, showcasing the tangible impact of this groundbreaking type of transformation. These examples highlight how thoughtful urban planning and design can bridge divides, encourage vibrant public spaces, and reawaken a city’s spirit. Get inspired by these powerful stories and envision what a reconnected Trenton could look like.
Chattanooga | Riverfront Parkway
LEARN MORE
For more information on highway reconnection projects visit:
City Snapshots
Looking Back to Move Forward
Mercer County Website
Route 29 Local Concept Development Study
CNU
Completed Highways to Boulevards Projects
Freeway Fighters
Building infrastructure that puts communities first
Rediscovering the Bloomsbury Neighborhood:
An Interactive Story Map
FAQ
The Route 29 Boulevard Project aims to transform the current Route 29 freeway into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard that reconnects Trenton to its waterfront. This transformation will create green spaces, improve mobility, and enhance the city’s economic and social vitality.
For decades, Route 29 has disconnected the city from the Delaware River, reducing access to this vital natural resource. By converting the highway into a boulevard, we can restore this connection, promote sustainable transportation, improve safety, and create new opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors.
The boulevard will feature expanded green spaces, safer lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, and a reconnected city street network. It will create a vibrant park system and mixed-use, mixed-income developments along the city side of the boulevard, offering greater access to the riverfront.
This project is expected to stimulate economic growth by attracting tourists, supporting small businesses, and increasing the tax base. As Trenton becomes a greener and more connected city, it will also provide more opportunities for job creation and community development.
The Route 29 Boulevard Project is a 10-year plan. Key milestones include:
- Early spring 2026: Completion of the Mercer County Concept Development Study
- Summer 2026: NJ Department of Transportation approval
- Winter 2026: Securing project sponsorship
- Summer 2027: Securing project funding
We encourage residents, local leaders, and community members to join us in advocating for the project. You can participate by attending our public events, signing the petition, donating, spreading the word, and subscribing to our mailing list for updates. Visit our “Get Involved” page for more details.
The first phase will begin with the Concept Development Study and will end in early spring of 2026. Following that, it will move on to securing funding and planning the detailed design.
You can follow us on social media and subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates on the project’s progress, upcoming events, and important announcements. You can also reach out to our email for any specific inquiries.
For partnership opportunities, media inquiries, or general questions, you can contact:
Campaign Manager: Sabrina Rodriguez at srodriguez@njfuture.org
Community Outreach Coordinator: Benjamin Dziobek at bdziobek@njfuture.org
The project will span from the Trenton Water Filtration Plant to Cooper’s Riverfront, covering a key stretch of Trenton’s riverfront area.
CONTACT INFO
To connect with the campaign for partnership, events, media, and opportunities please contact the following:
General email: info@reconnectingtrenton.org
We Value Your Input!
Your feedback is essential to ensuring the success of Reconnecting Trenton’s Riverfront. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or suggestions about the project, we want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts with us below, and together, we can help create a brighter future for Trenton.
We Value Your Input!
Your feedback is essential to ensuring the success of Reconnecting Trenton’s Riverfront. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or suggestions about the project, we want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts with us below, and together, we can help create a brighter future for Trenton.