Morris County residents will soon have the opportunity to weigh in on a significant transportation improvement effort that could shape the future of freight travel in North Jersey. County officials, in collaboration with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), are hosting a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, October 14, to review the East Hanover Avenue Bridge Catenary Rail Clearance Project and gather community feedback.
The online session, scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., will feature two formal presentations at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Organizers encourage anyone with an interest in local infrastructure, transportation, or business development to attend, learn more about the project, and share their perspectives.
The discussion centers around the NJTPA Freight Concept Development Study, which is focused on removing existing height restrictions along the NJ Transit Morristown Line between Denville and Morristown. These restrictions currently limit freight movement by preventing Plate “F” railcars—the standard for most freight operations—from traveling freely between the Washington Secondary Line and the Whippany Line.
Improving the rail clearance would not only enhance freight efficiency but also strengthen the region’s overall logistics and economic network. For Morris County, which has long served as a key link in North Jersey’s industrial and commercial corridors, the project represents a step toward modernizing infrastructure to meet the growing demands of regional commerce.
“This study is an important step in improving freight mobility in Morris County,” said Stephen Shaw, Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director and Secretary of the NJTPA. “We encourage residents, business owners, and local officials to participate in the meeting to learn about the project and contribute input.”
The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, which serves 13 counties across northern New Jersey, oversees long-term regional transportation planning and ensures communities are eligible for federal transportation funding. The NJTPA provides a platform for local officials, state agencies, and transit providers to collaborate on strategies that meet both current and future transportation needs.
Morris County’s partnership with the NJTPA reflects a shared commitment to balancing infrastructure modernization with community input. Projects like the East Hanover Avenue Bridge clearance initiative play a vital role in ensuring North Jersey’s rail network can continue to support freight operations efficiently while maintaining safety and reliability for passenger services.
Flyers promoting the meeting are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to take part in the conversation. For those planning to attend, the meeting link and full details are available at morristownlinerailclearance.com.
Residents interested in learning more about transportation initiatives, travel planning, or regional development can visit Explore New Jersey’s Travel Planning page for resources and information on getting around the state.
As Morris County continues to grow, public participation remains a cornerstone of shaping the transportation future. The East Hanover Avenue Bridge Rail Clearance Project represents not just an engineering upgrade, but an opportunity for residents to have a voice in how their communities adapt to meet the evolving needs of North Jersey’s economy and infrastructure.
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