Freight

Berkshire Valley Road Truck Circulation Project

The NJTPA is managing a Freight Concept Development Study to investigate options to eliminate the height restriction that the Chester Branch rail bridge creates on Berkshire Valley Rd (642). It will also explore options to better accommodate truck movements at the intersection of Berkshire Valley Road and N. Dell Avenue. The Chester Branch is one of three rail lines Morris County owns, that serve a wide range of industrial customers. Maintaining freight rail service and improving truck access to this area is critical.

Hackettstown Bridge over Drain Weight Restriction Elimination Project

The Washington Secondary/Morristown Line provides rail freight access to businesses in Warren and Morris Counties, including businesses along the three Morris County-owned branch lines. The 3rd Avenue Drainage Culvert, a small bridge, located along the Washington Secondary in Hackettstown, Warren County is structurally deficient. The bridge’s condition limits the weight of rail cars that can be carried across it. A Freight Concept Development Study was completed by the NJTPA in 2020 to develop potential alternatives to improve the carrying capacity of the bridge.

Dover & Rockaway Railroad Realignment Project

The Dover & Rockaway Railroad (D&R) is an approximately six-mile long active freight rail line owned by Morris County and operated by the Dover & Rockaway River Railroad. A Freight Concept Development Study was completed by the NJTPA in 2020 to develop potential alternatives to relocate the existing connection between the D&R and NJ Transit’s rail line from west of Dover. 

Morris County was awarded a grant from NJDOT’s Rail Freight Assistance Program to design the preferred alternative.

Kenvil Team Track Improvement Project

Red engine car on the Kenvil line Morris County rehabilitated the County owned Kenvil Team Track in 2014. It is located in Roxbury Township on Berkshire Valley Road (CR 642), north of US 46. The team track serves as a public transload facility (merchandise is transferred from railroad to truck) that businesses may utilize.

Freight Infrastructure and Land Use Analysis

The Freight Infrastructure and Land Use Analysis was a two year comprehensive study that examined the impact and role of the goods movement industry on the county’s transportation network, land use, and economy.

Chester Branch Railroad Rehabilitation Project

Morris County was awarded $5.8 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to rehabilitate the Chester Branch Railroad. This project was completed in 2011.

Morris/Warren County Rail Corridor Study

The Morris/Warren County Rail Corridor Study examined the infrastructure and operational improvements necessary to modernize the primary rail freight corridor serving Morris and Warren counties, helping it accommodate taller and heavier cars and generate future economic development.

Railroad Freight

Morris County is served by four freight railroad companies:

Morris County owns 3 freight rail lines which are served and maintained under contract with the Dover & Rockaway River Railroad:

  • Chester Branch
  • High Bridge Branch Railroad
  • Dover & Rockaway Railroad

Freight Planning in the Region