ERC Trail: Moving from master planning to project implementation

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Trail Update and SEPA Notice of Action - August 2017

Moving from Master Planning to
Project Implementation

Rails in fall

Rail removal and interim trail construction starting soon!

This fall, we will be removing rails in portions of the ERC and opening segments of interim gravel trail. A total of five miles of interim trail will open later this year!

Join us at one of these open houses to learn more about this work and what to expect during construction.

Renton: Thursday, September 7
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Renton Highlands Public Library (map)
2801 NE 10th St
Renton, WA 98056

Bellevue: Saturday, September 9
1 - 2:30 p.m.
Bellevue Public Library (map)
1111 110th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004

Segments that will be opening include a one-mile-long section from the Cross Kirkland Corridor at 108th Ave NE to Northup Way. This segment will also connect into Bellevue's Spring District south of SR 520, with a connection from the ERC to bike lanes on 120th Ave NE by the end of the year.

A four-mile -long segment from Gene Coulon Park in Renton to Newcastle Beach Park in Bellevue will also be opening, with connections at either end to the existing Lake Washington Loop Trail.


Trail design begins this fall

King County Parks is moving from master planning the ERC Trail into trail design this year. Design will begin this fall on:

  • The Wilburton Segment through Bellevue, which extends from the Cross Kirkland Corridor at 108th Ave NE to I-90, including design of a direct connection to the I-90/Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail! This trail segment includes renovating the Wilburton Trestle, originally built in 1904, as a trail bridge while preserving its historical character. At nearly 1,000 feet long and more than 100 feet off the ground, the Wilburton Trestle is the largest timber train trestle in the Pacific Northwest and will be one of the most iconic elements of the ERC Trail.
  • A trail bridge to cross over the busy NE 8th Street in Bellevue.
  • A trail bridge over I-405 near the Mercer Slough and a 2.5-mile-long trail segment south of I-90 between Coal Creek Parkway and Ripley Lane. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will lead these trail segments in partnership with King County Parks.

Trail design will involve the community in a variety of ways throughout the process. Visit the trail project website and sign up for project alerts to stay informed of opportunities to become involved and provide input.


ERC Trail planning areas

Notice of Action Taken on Final Master Plan and Environmental Impact Statement

On February 13, 2017, the Metropolitan King County Council approved the Eastside Rail Corridor (ERC) Trail Master Plan by motion No. 14805. In advance of moving the project forward into design, on August 1, 2017, King County Parks and Recreation Division Director Kevin Brown selected the Master Plan’s Preferred Alternative alignment for a regional trail (also known as a shared use path) to accommodate non-motorized transportation and recreation in the railbanked portion of the ERC.

In accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), RCW 43.21C.080, a Notice of Action has been issued. This Notice of Action only relates to selection of the preferred alternative for trail alignment as identified in the Final Master Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. Trail design and construction will be the subject of future environmental review and are not governed by the Notice of Action.


Questions? Comments?

Visit the project website at www.kingcounty.gov/parks/eastsiderailcorridor and sign up to receive project updates by email or text.

Email: erctrail@kingcounty.gov