The Real Deal shares this story about a New Jersey resident, Kevin Shane, who dreams of having another above-the-ground means of transportation that will connect Jersey City and Battery Park. A pedestrian bridge, called "Liberty Bridge" is actually what he has in mind, with Jeff Jordan Architects designing it.
The hypothetical project of coming up with a footbridge is intended to alleviate the daily plight of commuters facing an increasingly crowded ride in the jam-packed PATH and NJ Transit trains. Shane asserts that the problem on the strain of mass transit between New Jersey and New York City is just going to get worse. The construction of the Liberty Bridge will be an additional choice for commuters who, at present, can go to and fro Jersey City and Manhattan through PATH train, NJ Transit bus, by ferry, and the Holland Tunnel.
Lauren Evans of Gothamist relates that Shane and Jordan created a number of renderings, where one can have a picture of "a world where New Yorkers and New Jerseyans could lounge together in the bridge's tall native grasses, where Tinder profiles bearing the word 'Hoboken' wouldn't be promptly dispensed of with a dismissive left swipe."
Evans also calls Shane's vision as "nothing short of beautiful." She provides a more detailed description of the project, it will be a bridge that will cater to commuters with separate walking and bike lanes. Liberty Bridge will also provide a park-like experience with a 200+ foot view over the Hudson, coffee shops, artwork, grassy areas, other retail and benches. There will likewise be stairs, elevators, and ramps for access on and off. It will be fully ADA compliant, environmentally friendly, and will give pleasure to commuters for the thousands of NJ and NYC residents taking daily mass transit. The bridge will begin on the Embankment in Jersey City and will increase its height gradually to end at a higher point in NYC, with access points closer to the River.
