Construction has begun on converting an abandoned and overgrown elevated rail track in Philadelphia into a green park.

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf joined Mayor Jim Kenney and state Rep. Michael O'Brien, among others, for a groundbreaking ceremony for the $10.3 million rail park.

The 25,000-sq.-ft. (2,322.5 sq m) linear park will be created using the former Reading Co. railroad viaduct. Plans call for green space, lighting, walking paths and swinging benches.

Wolf compared the future park to the High Line in New York City. He said it will likely encourage new development.

Construction is expected to finish in early 2018. - AP

For more information, visit http://www.therailpark.org.