“We've reached a major milestone for an ambitious project that is converting the iconic Wilburton Trestle into a scenic trail bridge for all to experience,” said Executive Zahilay. “I am grateful for the coalition of public- and private-sector partners – and the voter-approved King County Parks Levy – for making this inspiring transformation possible, repurposing King County’s past for a new generation to enjoy." 

The Wilburton Trestle transformation is a major milestone for Eastrail, a formerly active railroad corridor that partners are transforming into an uninterrupted paved trail that connects South King County to Eastside cities and Snohomish County with a spur to Redmond. The regional trail will connect to four of Sound Transit’s 2 Line stations and Stride bus rapid transit. 

The $43.5 million Wilburton Trestle project has multiple public- and private-sector funding sources: 

• $27 million from the voter-approved King County Parks Levy 

• $9 million from the state, administered by WSDOT, with $6 million generated by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act 

• $5 million from Amazon, in addition to $2.5 million for the nearby Wilburton Trail Segment north of the trestle 

• $2 million from City of Bellevue 

• $500,000 from Kaiser Permanente 

“The Wilburton Trestle will be a pinnacle of our King County regional trail system, providing access to stunning views and expanding regional connectivity via the Eastrail from Renton to Snohomish County, as well as through Bellevue’s Grand Connection project to everything the second largest city in King County has to offer and more," said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. "It will complete a decades long vision that began with Executive Ron Sims and has been carried forward by generations of county and local leaders, to truly knit our region together through healthy transportation facilities while creating an extraordinary linear park for everyone to enjoy.” 

“The reconstruction and repurposing of the Wilburton Trestle builds on our past while making way for our future," said King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn. "Restoring this historic landmark will help connect communities along the I-405 corridor and create more opportunities for people to get outside, stay active, and experience our region in new ways. This project is a great example of how we can honor our history while investing in a more connected and accessible King County.” 

"Eastrail is already showing what modern urban trails can do. Open segments are attracting trail-facing development, improving regional connectivity, and giving people a real transportation option that doesn’t depend on a car. At the same time, it’s become a place people genuinely use and enjoy for walking, biking, and getting outside all of which are essential to physical and mental health," said Joe Impecoven, Gov. Bob Ferguson’s Policy Advisor for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism. "The Wilburton Trestle adds something special to that experience. It turns an iconic piece of regional history into a destination, while strengthening a corridor that’s already proving how much value a trail like this can bring to communities across the region." 

King County Parks – one of four divisions at the Department of Natural Resources and Parks – selected Kraemer North America for the construction project. 

Multimedia 

What People Are Saying

"As Bellevue continues to grow, projects like Eastrail are essential. Completing the Wilburton Trestle will offer a view of the city from a historic structure modernized for multimodal use, and closing the remaining gaps in the trail will provide direct connections to high‑capacity transit, creating a more sustainable, flexible transportation system that people want to use and explore." — Dave Hamiliton, Bellevue Deputy Mayor 

"Amazon is proud to partner with King County on this iconic project, transforming a unique piece of our regional history into a permanent community asset for everyone. “Strong public-private partnerships make projects like the Wilburton Trestle possible, and make our region a great place to live, work, and visit. We can't wait for this part of Eastrail to open and serve generations to come." — David Zapolsky, Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, Amazon 

"The Wilburton Trestle will be a landmark destination, inspiring everyone who experiences it—just as it did for me today. It also brings us one step closer to completing the 42-mile Eastrail, connecting Renton to Snohomish. The trestle will provide a safe, separated space for people to walk, bike, and roll, while closing a critical gap in our regional trail network. By linking residents across South King County and the Eastside to jobs, businesses, transit, and premier destinations it will expand access and opportunity throughout the region. Eastrail Partners looks forward to continuing our work with public and private partners to deliver a world-class trail for everyone, every day." — Nate Caminos, Eastrail Partners Board President 

"Seeing the progress on this project is incredibly energizing. By investing in trails and public greenspaces, we’re supporting the overall health of our community and making it easier for people to stay active and connected to care at our eastside medical centers." — Stephanie Lizza, senior director of community health, Kaiser Permanente Washington