NJMP

NJMP stands for the New Jersey Motor Parkway, a proposed high-speed electric railway and roadway system originally conceived in the early 20th century. The concept was developed by industrialist and inventor Charles E. Knight, who envisioned a modern transportation network connecting New York City with points in New Jersey, including the Jersey Shore. The project was intended to serve both passenger and freight needs, emphasizing speed, efficiency, and electric propulsion to reduce reliance on horse-drawn or steam-powered transport.

Construction of the Motor Parkway began in 1908, with the first section opening in 1910 between New York City and Mineola, New York. The line extended southward through Nassau County, New York, and into New Jersey, reaching Bay Head by 1912. The railway featured a unique design, including elevated tracks, tunnels, and bridges, as well as a dedicated roadway for automobiles. Electric trolley cars and later motor vehicles could share the corridor, though the railway primarily focused on passenger service.

The Motor Parkway was notable for its advanced engineering and innovative features, such as a central reservation for trains and a roadway on either side. It was also one of the first projects to integrate electric streetcars with a broader transportation network. However, the project faced financial challenges and declining ridership due to competition from automobiles and the growth of the subway system in New York City.

By the 1930s, the Motor Parkway was largely abandoned, with passenger service discontinued in 1936. The roadway portion remained in use for some time but was eventually absorbed into state highways. Today, remnants of the Motor Parkway can still be found in parts of Long Island and New Jersey, including sections of modern roads and historic landmarks. The project is remembered as an ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to revolutionize transportation in the early 20th century.