Passaic County officials broke ground Oct. 27 on the conversion of an abandoned railroad bridge over the Passaic River into a pedestrian crossing connecting Passaic and Garfield.

The bridge will provide a new connection to Dundee Island Park’s walking trails, boat launches, spray park, playground, amphitheater and waterfront access.

“This railroad bridge sat unused over the river. Today it begins a new life as a path that connects families to their waterfront,” Passaic County Commissioner Deputy Director Orlando Cruz said in a statement.

The county awarded the construction contract to Rencor Inc.

The groundbreaking ceremony included Passaic Mayor Hector Lora, Assemblyman Gary Schaer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak and representatives of the Trust for Public Land.

Dundee Island Park opened in 2019 following a $12 million redevelopment of a neglected riverfront property. It was the first addition to the Passaic County Park System in more than 50 years.

The park was developed through a partnership involving Passaic County, the city of Passaic and the Trust for Public Land, with funding from county and state sources.

The county did not provide an anticipated completion date for the bridge.