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June 20, 2016

SDOT prepares to fill ‘missing link' on trail

Burke-Gilman Trail is one of the most heavily used pedestrian and bicycling routes in Seattle, but a 1.2-mile section is missing.

Public comments will be taken at hearings next month on a plan to fill in the “missing link” along the Burke-Gilman Trail in Ballard.

The hearings are from 6 to 9 p.m. July 14 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 16 at Leif Erikson Hall, 2245 N.W. 57th St. Comments also can be submitted at http://tiny.cc/9839by until Aug. 1.

Seattle Department of Transportation prepared a draft environmental impact statement for the project, evaluating four alternatives for connecting the regional trail between the Ballard Locks and the intersection of Northwest 45th Street and 11th Avenue Northwest.

SDOT said the trail is one of the most heavily used pedestrian and bicycling routes in Seattle, connecting neighborhoods as well as other trails.

SDOT proposes to complete the trail in Ballard, so it would run continuously from Bothell to Golden Gardens Park. Now it ends at 30th Avenue Northwest by the Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks on the west, and begins again at the intersection of 11th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 45th Street on the east.

Four alternatives are being considered for the connection. SDOT also could combine parts of the alternatives, or do nothing. In that case, walkers and bikers would continue to use surface streets and sidewalks to travel the 1.2 miles between the trail segments.

SDOT said in the DEIS that construction would last 12 to 18 months. It would involve removing pavement, curbs, sidewalks, driveways, trees, signs, bus shelters, fencing or other features in the area.

Roadway modifications would be needed for vehicles to co-exist with walkers. These changes could include creating perpendicular intersections, changing lane configurations, and providing sight lines between vehicles and others.

Intersections would be designed to clearly identify trail crossings. These improvements could include curb extensions or curb bulbs, pavement markings, raised crosswalks, driveway-style entrances at intersections, signalized intersections and flashing beacons.

Driveways that cross or intersect with the trail would also be evaluated for possible design changes.

Send written comments on the DEIS to: Scott Kubly, Director Seattle Department of Transportation, c/o Mark Mazzola, Environmental Manager, P.O. Box 34996, Seattle, WA 98124-4996.

After the comment period ends, SDOT will review and respond to comments. A final EIS will be prepared and should be released in early 2017.

Lead consultant for the DEIS is Environmental Science Associates (ESA). Subconsultants to ESA include Parametrix, Alta Planning and Design, SWCA, ECONorthwest and Urban Tech Systems.

The outreach/communications subconsultants include Margaret Norton-Arnold and Stepherson and Associates.




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