A transformative new chapter for outdoor recreation, transportation connectivity, and regional trail development officially began on March 6, 2026, as Camden County leaders broke ground on the Atlantic Avenue Trail Project, a major milestone in the development of the ambitious Camden County LINK Trail. The project marks the start of construction on Segment 1B, a 1.08-mile multi-use trail that will run along Atlantic Avenue between Merchant Street in Audubon and Station Avenue in Haddon Heights.

Official Maps & Visuals

• Interactive Trail Map (Camden County): Use the Camden County Open Data Portal to explore the trail network, including existing segments and planned extensions.
• 2020 LINK Alignment Map (PDF): This official document shows the precise “spine” alignment from the Ben Franklin Bridge to Winslow.
• Circuit Trails Finder: An interactive tool that places the LINK Trail within the context of the larger 850-mile regional network. Camden County, NJ +4

The Route at a Glance

The trail is designed to connect 17 municipalities across three distinct zones: Camden County, NJ +1

• The Urban Hub: Starts at the Benjamin Franklin Bridge pedestrian ramp in Camden City.
• The Atlantic Avenue Spine: A 12-mile stretch following the active Conrail rail corridor through suburban towns like Audubon, Haddon Heights, and Somerdale.
• The Rural Reach: Ends in the Winslow Wildlife Management Area at the Gloucester County line. 

Virtual Tours

For a “birds-eye” view of where the trail will go, Camden County has released a series of drone videos broken down by municipality: 

• Camden & Pennsauken (Drone Video 1)
• Collingswood & Haddon Township (Drone Video 2)
• Winslow Township (Drone Video 8)
• These can be found on the Camden County LINK Trail page.

The new trail segment represents far more than a simple pathway. It is a critical demonstration piece for what will ultimately become a 34-mile trail system stretching across Camden County from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Camden to the Gloucester County line in Winslow Township. When completed, the LINK Trail will connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, downtown districts, and transit corridors through a continuous greenway designed for cyclists, pedestrians, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Atlantic Avenue segment is being constructed with an investment of approximately $3 million and is expected to reach substantial completion within roughly 276 days, placing the anticipated completion window toward the end of 2026. Once finished, the trail will provide residents with a safe, accessible corridor that supports both recreational use and everyday transportation.

At the heart of the project is a carefully designed 12-foot-wide paved trail engineered to accommodate a wide range of users, including cyclists, walkers, joggers, and mobility-assisted travelers. The path will follow a “rails-with-trails” design concept, meaning it will run parallel to the active Conrail railroad line that travels through the area. This approach allows the trail to make use of an existing transportation corridor while preserving rail operations, a solution that required years of negotiation and planning to achieve.

County officials emphasized that the groundbreaking represents the culmination of nearly a decade of coordination, planning, and collaboration. Securing the necessary right-of-way access from Conrail was one of the most complex elements of the project, requiring detailed agreements to ensure that both the railroad operations and the trail could coexist safely.

The result will be a carefully integrated transportation corridor where trains and trail users share the landscape in a way that enhances accessibility without compromising safety.

The Atlantic Avenue segment also introduces a number of infrastructure upgrades and community amenities that will significantly improve the surrounding area. Camden County’s Public Works Department has incorporated several safety and accessibility improvements as part of the construction process.

ADA-accessible curb ramps will be installed at all intersections along the route, ensuring that the trail remains accessible for individuals of all mobility levels. These upgrades are particularly important for creating an inclusive recreational environment that welcomes residents with disabilities, families with strollers, and seniors seeking safe walking routes.

Traffic-calming measures will also be introduced along Atlantic Avenue to improve safety for both motorists and trail users. These improvements aim to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment in neighborhoods where vehicle traffic previously dominated the streetscape.

In addition to safety enhancements, the project includes major upgrades to the area’s storm sewer infrastructure. Improvements to the drainage system will help manage stormwater runoff more effectively, reducing the risk of flooding and protecting nearby neighborhoods from water-related issues.

The trail will also incorporate a variety of public amenities designed to enhance the outdoor experience. New landscaping will bring rows of trees and shrubs along the corridor, creating shade, visual beauty, and environmental benefits such as improved air quality and stormwater absorption.

Benches will be installed at key points along the trail, giving walkers and cyclists places to rest while enjoying the scenery. Trash receptacles, bike racks, and pet waste stations will also be included, helping maintain cleanliness while making the trail welcoming for families and pet owners.

While the Atlantic Avenue Trail segment may appear modest in length at just over a mile, its importance within the larger LINK Trail vision cannot be overstated. Segment 1B serves as a demonstration project that illustrates what future sections of the trail will look like and how they will function within the surrounding communities.

The ultimate goal of the Camden County LINK Trail is to create a 34-mile greenway that connects multiple municipalities across the county, offering a continuous route for recreation and transportation. Once completed, the trail will link the urban waterfront near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to suburban neighborhoods and rural landscapes stretching toward the Gloucester County border.

This expansive network will transform how residents move through the county, providing a safe alternative to road travel while encouraging healthier, more sustainable transportation options.

Equally significant is the LINK Trail’s integration with the regional Circuit Trails network. The Circuit Trails initiative is an ambitious multi-state effort to create more than 850 miles of connected multi-use trails throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

By connecting with the Circuit Trails system, Camden County’s LINK Trail will become part of a much larger regional infrastructure network that allows residents to travel across counties and even state lines using continuous trail corridors. This type of connectivity expands recreational opportunities while supporting regional tourism and economic development.

Outdoor trail systems like this one have increasingly become essential infrastructure for modern communities. They encourage physical activity, provide safe commuting routes for cyclists, reduce vehicle congestion, and create vibrant public spaces that improve quality of life.

Across New Jersey, similar investments in parks and trail systems have been transforming communities and strengthening local economies. Trails bring visitors to local downtown districts, connect neighborhoods to parks and waterfronts, and create outdoor destinations that attract families, athletes, and nature lovers.

The growing network of parks, nature preserves, and trail systems highlighted throughout Explore New Jersey’s parks and outdoor destinations guide reflects the state’s increasing commitment to accessible outdoor recreation. From scenic hiking paths in the Highlands to coastal greenways along the Jersey Shore, New Jersey continues to expand its outdoor infrastructure in ways that benefit residents and visitors alike.

Camden County’s LINK Trail stands as one of the most ambitious projects within that movement. By creating a long-distance trail that spans multiple municipalities, the county is building a regional asset that will serve communities for generations.

For residents of Audubon, Haddon Heights, and surrounding towns, the Atlantic Avenue segment will provide immediate benefits once completed. Local families will gain a safe walking and biking path close to home, commuters will have a new alternative route for short trips, and outdoor enthusiasts will gain access to a scenic corridor that links neighborhoods and natural spaces.

The trail will also create new opportunities for community gatherings, outdoor fitness activities, and local events. Trails often become social spaces where neighbors meet, joggers pass cyclists, and families explore the outdoors together.

As construction progresses throughout 2026, the Atlantic Avenue Trail will gradually take shape as a visible symbol of Camden County’s investment in sustainable infrastructure and community wellness.

The groundbreaking ceremony held on March 6 marked the beginning of that journey. Local leaders, community members, and project partners gathered to celebrate a milestone that reflects years of planning and a shared commitment to building a more connected, active, and vibrant Camden County.

Once completed, the trail will stand as both a recreational destination and a transportation corridor, illustrating how modern infrastructure can bring communities together while promoting healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability.

The Atlantic Avenue Trail Project represents the first visible step toward realizing the full vision of the Camden County LINK Trail. As additional segments are developed in the years ahead, the network will continue expanding across the region, creating a continuous pathway that connects communities, parks, schools, and transit hubs throughout South Jersey.

For residents and visitors alike, the trail promises a future where outdoor adventure, neighborhood connectivity, and sustainable transportation intersect along one of the most exciting new greenways in New Jersey.