Gov. Phil Murphy says American Dream at the Meadowlands is actually going to open -- despite more than 16 years of delays. And the proof of that is amusement park rides are being tested inside the mega-mall’s Nickelodeon Universe theme park.

The update was shared during a 20-minute interview on Facebook Live by 1010 WINS reporter Glenn Schuck. He asked Murphy about congestion pricing, marijuana legalization, property taxes and presidential candidates before the conversation turned to the $5 billion development along the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 3.

A spokesperson for American Dream did not respond to a request for comment.

Murphy last spoke publicly about American Dream on, March 8, when a NJ Advance Media reporter asked the governor, at an unrelated press conference, about the opening date. Murphy said American Dream’s promised Spring 2019 opening had “slipped closer to June."

Almost two weeks later, the developer admitted the opening is actually delayed until late summer.

In the Wednesday interview, Schuck said that people at the Bergen County Executive’s Office wanted him to ask the governor about American Dream.

“I know this has been in the pipeline,” said Schuck, a Bergen County resident. “There have been a lot of jokes about American Dream.”

The two then talked about how the project had been around since James McGreevy’s administration.

“I don’t see any scenario where it doesn’t happen. So that’s an important point,” Murphy said. “Because there were many years where we couldn’t answer that question.”

And, while he said he doesn’t have information on the late summer opening date, "they are testing the amusement rides. And that’s probably a good sign.”

“They’re encasing, as we speak, the waterpark,” Murphy continued. “You’re starting to see some of the retailers put their names up. Saks Fifth Avenue’s name is now up on the side of the building.”

Murphy said he thinks there are about 2,000 workers at the site daily.

Citing “something like $1.2 billion of payroll eventually for New Jersey” and “probably $140-something million in taxes,” the governor praised the project, though he admitted it’s “slower than probably any of us would’ve wanted.”

Representatives from Nickelodeon Universe said during a gathering of rollercoaster enthusiasts, called EastCoaster, in February that the record-breaking rollercoasters at American Dream will be Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-themed.

The TMNT Shellraiser will hold the record for steepest plunge when it pauses at the top of a 122-foot drop, giving riders a quick look at the New York City skyline across the Hudson River.

The other record-setter, The Shredder, will be the tallest and longest free-spinning coaster.

The other two rides unveiled at EastCoaster are Sandy’s Blasting Bronco and Slime Streak.

There’s no word on which rides are being tested, although American Dream did post this photo to its Instagram account March 12. Beside the ride is a sign that reads, “Finished Product Do Not Touch.”

Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.

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