The first phase of the Elizabeth River Trail built upon natural resources and consisted of the streetscape, hard-scape, and landscape elements. The project site is being constructed from South Broad Street to Bridge Street along the southern edge of the Elizabeth River in the city of Elizabeth, NJ.

The local area contains rich historic and architectural properties that list under the NJ Register of Historic places Act that is monitored and administered by NJDOT under the NJDEP Green Acres program. Completed in April of 2012, the community uses the trail for recreation, exercise, biking, jogging, and running along a paved, lighted route.