December 6, 2013

Grand opening for Central Connector

Image by Berger Partnership [enlarge]

Grand opening of the first phase of the Redmond Central Connector trail through downtown Redmond is set for 5 p.m. Saturday.

The one-mile segment runs from Bear Creek Trail to Sammamish River Trail. It is part of what will be a four-mile recreational trail on a former railroad corridor called the Redmond Spur, going from the state Route 520 interchange to the northern city limits.

The Connector is expected to cost $9.25 million. It will be made of asphalt, concrete and pavers. Most sections will be 12 feet wide, though intersections will be up to 30 feet wide. Small parks and public art will be set along the trail. A light rail station is planned adjacent to the trail west of Leary Way and south of Cleveland Street.

Construction is expected to be complete in 2015 on phase two, which will extend 1.3 miles to Willows Road and DigiPen Institute of Technology in the Willows business district.

Phase three is not funded yet but it will run from there 1.6 miles to the Redmond border at Northeast 124th Street.

Berger Partnership did the master plan and design, and Road Construction Northwest is building the Connector.

Redmond wants to connect the trail to one being planned by the city of Kirkland. In the short run, Redmond hopes to build a shoulder and other improvements through a short section of rail corridor in King County to connect to Kirkland's trail. Eventually, Redmond wants to use more of the county's corridor to connect to the Kirkland trail.

The Central Connector grand opening is part of the annual Redmond Lights celebration. Music and activities will start after 4 p.m. at City Hall at 15670 N.E. 85th St.