hoboken

The City of Hoboken today reopened a key segment of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and adjacent temporary multi-use path along Sinatra Drive, restoring public access just in time for the spring season.  

The temporary multi-use path on the east side on Sinatra Drive is designed to accommodate pedestrians, runners, and cyclists traveling along Hoboken’s waterfront corridor from approximately Fifth Street to Sinatra Drive North, following a year of construction to replace the Sinatra Drive bulkhead, which limited public access. 

Several improvements were also completed along the corridor, including restoration of pavers along the promenade, accessibility upgrades to improve ADA access, new footings for the forthcoming installation of 37 new pedestrian lights, as well as the installation of benches, railings, and drinking water fountains and new life-saving floatation devices. 

“Our waterfront is one of Hoboken’s greatest public assets, and reopening this section of the walkway and providing a temporary new multi-use path means residents and visitors can once again enjoy the area safely and comfortably,” said Mayor Emily B. Jabbour. “While much of the work completed here is below the surface, it represents a major investment in the long-term safety, resilience, and accessibility of our waterfront. I want to thank the engineers, construction crews, and City staff who worked to restore this section of the waterfront and reopen it for the community.” 

The reopening follows the completion of the Waterfront Reconstruction Project that stabilized and replaced approximately 777 linear feet of aging bulkhead infrastructure after a sinkhole formed along Sinatra Drive in 2024. The bulkhead, originally constructed of wood in the early 1900s, supports a critical section of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and adjacent roadway. 

Following the sinkhole, the City immediately closed the area and began a detailed investigation that included surface inspections, underwater inspections, and subsurface testing. The investigation determined that deterioration of the existing seawall, erosion at its base, and voids behind the structure compromised its stability. 

Working with engineering partners at Colliers Engineering & Design and the project’s construction contractor, Simpson & Brown, the City replaced the bulkhead, restoring the structural integrity of the waterfront corridor to protect the adjacent roadway infrastructure, and reinforce Hoboken’s shoreline to withstand future long-term environmental impacts.  

The contractor will return in the coming weeks to install permanent lighting and complete finishing touch-ups along the waterfront walkway by the end of April.  

Sinatra Drive continues to be open to northbound vehicular traffic only.