A three dimensional ReRAM device includes an etch stop dielectric material layer overlying top surfaces of the dielectric rail structures and the dielectric pillar structures. The etch stop dielectric material layer includes openings in areas that overlie semiconductor pillars of the vertical select transistors. An array of metal nitride portions is located within the openings in the etch stop dielectric material layer. The etch stop dielectric material layer protects the underlying dielectric pillar structures during anisotropic etching steps without covering the metal nitride portions.