Help improve safety on Willapa Hills Trail

State Parks asking public for input on pedestrian crossing
at State Route 6-milepost 48 intersection

OLYMPIA – Nov. 21, 2018 – Washington State Parks invites the public to a meeting to learn about plans to improve safety on the Willapa Hills Trail — at the pedestrian crossing that intersects State Route 6 at milepost 48, just east of Adna.

The meeting is from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 S.W. Veterans Way, Chehalis. (Driving directions.)

Looking west, this photo shows where the Willapa Hill Trail crosses State Route 6.

Currently, trail users take a pedestrian crosswalk at this intersection of the trail and State Route 6. However, the crosswalk is on the same grade level at the highway, on a blind corner and vehicles tend to speed on this section of the road. State Parks plans to remove the existing crossing and replace it with a safer crossing.

At the meeting, State Parks staff will introduce alternative crossing designs and ask for feedback from participants. Those who can’t attend the meeting in person can learn more and comment online at: http://www.parks.state.wa.us/1132/Willapa-Hills-State-Park-Trail-SR6-Cross

Key items for discussion at the meeting will include:

• Exploring alternative crossing concepts.
• Aesthetics and landscaping considerations.
• Comparing cost estimates for each alternative.                                      

For more information about this project and the upcoming meeting, contact Michael Hankinson, Parks Planner, at 360-725-9756 or Michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov.

All comments will be considered in the analysis of the crosswalk alternatives. A second public meeting will be held in winter 2019 to present a preliminary recommendation for public review.

About Willapa Hills State Park Trail
A former railroad line, the trail is 56-miles long and runs east-west between Chehalis in Lewis County and South Bend in Pacific County. Approximately 27 miles of the trail are now open for non-motorized recreational use such as walking, bicycling and horseback riding.

New media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Michael Hankinson, (360) 725-9756

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About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

News release number: 18-073