Mercer County Issues Trail Network Update; County Planner Joins Lawrence Hopewell Trail Board

Lawrence, NJ – Fans of hiking and biking through central New Jersey have two pieces of news to celebrate this month. First the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (TMA) has just issued a report on its progress using existing utility right-of-ways to build the large-scale trail network it envisions for Mercer County.

Second the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail, an important part of that trail network, has announced that Maria Connolly, the new Mercer County Director of Planning, has joined the LHT Board of Trustees as the representative for Mercer County government.

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About the Trail Network. The TMA report, released July 1 and containing informative maps of existing trails and proposed trails crisscrossing the county, points out that “creating long-distance trails that are off-road is challenging as it requires land acquisition or easements. One way around this, however, is by taking advantage of existing rights-of-way (ROW).” Among them are utility trails, which can co-exist with an existing utility. These can include water, sewer, natural gas, electric, and fiber optics. In some instances, the report continues, existing utility rights-of-ways began as rail corridors that were sold to utility companies.

When a trail coexists with a utilities corridor it “optimizes space and promises to reduce the expenses linked with trail development,” according to the report. “Various utility types, such as water, sewer, natural gas, electricity, and fiber optic, can bury or encase their infrastructure near or beneath a trail. Meanwhile, telecommunication, cable, and electricity utilities can utilize airspace rights to run above a corridor.”

“However, the coexistence of utility and recreational trail usage presents challenges, particularly regarding the distinctive requirements of utility companies and the potential concerns of adjacent landowners and trail users. Nevertheless, through well-negotiated maintenance and land agreements, utilities can have a minimal impact on — and even furnish numerous advantages for — the trail, its neighboring properties, and its users.”

The proposed utility trails on the TMA map come near Princeton but do not pass through town. The D&R Canal and its towpath, and the Dinky corridor, however, form a very obvious cross right in the heart of the map. The segment of the old Johnson Trolley line that passes through Princeton, another corridor targeted for development as a trail, does not yet appear on the TMA’s map. More trails to blaze.

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About Maria Connolly . The new Lawrence Hopewell Trail board member succeeds long-time LHTC Trustee Leslie Floyd, who recently retired from Mercer County service. Floyd was central to the development of the LHT, particularly in Mercer Meadows Park, which spans Lawrence and Hopewell Townships as part of the 20-mile trail loop.

Connolly, a professional planner with expertise in master plans, zoning, redevelopment, economic development, GIS, sustainability, transportation, affordable housing, and clean energy, was formerly the principal planner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

With a BA from Rutgers and a master's in planning from the Bloustein School at Rutgers, Connolly is also licensed by the American Institute of Certified Planners and is a licensed planner in the State of New Jersey.

Connolly also serves as vice chair of the Lawrence Township Planning Board and is active with Miriam's Heart, advocating for reform of the foster care system.

"Mercer County has always been a good friend of the LHT," said David Sandahl, LHTC Board Chair, "and we could not be more pleased to welcome Maria Connolly to our Board. She brings the breadth and depth of experience essential to our project's success."

The nonprofit Lawrence Hopewell Trail has guided the development of the 20-mile Lawrence Hopewell Trail since 2002. Only five incomplete segments of the trail remain, and all are in some stage of development. The goal is to finish the trail by the end of 2026.

Advancing its strategy of extending trail options to more people and communities, the LHTC is partnering with Mercer County to study the feasibility of the Johnson Trolley Trail Corridor to connect Princeton, Lawrence, Ewing, Trenton, and the LHT. More information on the Johnson Trolley Trail project is available on the Mercer County Planning website .

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