Metro

High Line gold mine

It’s on the right track.

The High Line Park, which opened in June 2009, is responsible for $2 billion in private investment, 12,000 new jobs and nearly 29 major development projects on Manhattan’s West Side, according to the latest city figures.

“This is something I don’t think anyone expected,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “I don’t think anyone expected this economic impact.”

What began in the 1930s as an elevated railroad to lift freight traffic off the city’s industrial streets has become one of the most imaginative parks in the world, an eventual 1.5-mile stretch running through several of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods.

The completed projects or those under way include retail and office space, two hotels — including The Standard — a gallery and a new home for the Whitney Museum at the park’s southern end.

The good economic news comes as the city prepares for the unveiling of Phase Two of the park, an urban oasis that currently runs between Gansevoort and West 20th streets and mainly along 10th Avenue.

The second section of the once-rusty eyesore will open Wednesday, offering more food vendors and public artworks between West 20th and West 30th streets, as well as a temporary public plaza below the elevated area.

Nearly 2 million people visited the park last year, an economic boon to area businesses.

“With the nice weather, the High Line has made an impact, for sure,” said Drew Sweeney, 30, manager of Artichoke Basille’s Pizza on 10th Avenue.

“Tenth Avenue can feel like it’s off the beaten path, but the High Line brings a new element to the neighborhood.”

But not everybody is thrilled with the development.

Some residents say the wave of tourists keeps them from being able to enjoy the park.

“It’s bringing a lot of business,” said Andrea Norlander, 45.

“But there’s no community there,” she said. “It’s not a neighborhood.”

leonard.greene@nypost.com