Mercer County has secured $2.9 million to build the Great Western Bikeway, a project linking four towns: Lawrence Township, Ewing, Hopewell, and Pennington.
The funding is part of the 2024 Regional Transportation Alternatives (RTA) Set Aside Program, which provided $18.7 million for eight projects across New Jersey.
The bikeway will create safer, bike-friendly paths for recreation and travel while promoting eco-friendly transportation.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), which manages the RTA Set Aside program, wants to improve travel options for everyone—whether they’re walking, biking, or using mobility aids.
According to NJDOT, the program supports bigger projects that need more than $1.5 million and might not get funding otherwise.
The Great Western Bikeway will have a 10-mile main route running east to west, mostly along County Route 546.
It will go through Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough, and Lawrence Township, connecting two branches of the D&R Canal State Park Trail.
One branch is at Washington Crossing State Park to the west, and the other is at Bakers Basin Road to the east, giving cyclists a smooth route across Mercer County.
There will also be two smaller paths.
One will head south into Ewing Township along County Route 611, and the other will link Pennington Borough’s downtown area along County Route 640.
Altogether, the bikeway will cover 17.5 miles and include bikeable shoulders, regular bike lanes, buffered bike lanes, two-way bike tracks, and shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians.
The project is funded through federal money managed by NJDOT’s Local Aid Transportation Alternatives Program.
Each town involved in the bikeway is responsible for building its part of it.
The RTA Set Aside program also supports projects like turning old railroads into trails, building scenic spots, upgrading streets, protecting historic sites, and dealing with environmental challenges like stormwater and wildlife safety.
The Great Western Bikeway is expected to bring many benefits.
As it’s going to connect neighborhoods, town centers, and parks, it will be easier for people to enjoy outdoor activities, rely less on cars, and support local businesses.
Plus, the bikeway is designed to handle stormwater runoff better and protect wildlife.
Construction is planned to start in the winter of 2025 or spring of 2026.
Even though the project is still in its early stages, once finished, the Great Western Bikeway will show Mercer County’s commitment to better transportation, healthier lifestyles, and sustainable development.