King County Parks hosts a series of meetings later this month to answer questions and collect public input as it begins developing plans for a major new regional trail within a former railroad right of way that stretches from Woodinville to Renton, and from Woodinville to Redmond.
The new trail within the Eastside Rail Corridor (ERC) will serve the region’s non-motorized transportation needs, provide expanded recreational opportunities, and connect communities like never before.
Community input on ERC development can help shape the range of alternatives and factors considered in planning the new trail.
King County residents, potential trail users, and other interested individuals are encouraged to participate in the following community meetings to help shape the future of King County’s newest addition to the regional trail system:
Woodinville
June 18
6-8 p.m.
Carol Edwards Center
17401 133rd Ave. NE
Renton
Tuesday, June 23
6-8 p.m.
Talbot Hill Elementary
2300 Talbot Rd. S.
Bellevue
Thursday, June 25
6-8 p.m.
Bellevue City Hall
450 110th Ave. NE
Bellevue
Project managers will use this information as they begin designing alternatives for the trail. These meetings are also formal scoping meetings for an Environmental Impact Statement for the trail master plan. Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public are invited to comment on the scope of the EIS.
Comments can be submitted on alternatives, mitigation measures, probable significant adverse impacts, and licenses or other approvals that may be required. The deadline for submitting comments is 4:30 p.m. on July 17. Comments can be submitted at the meetings, online at http://eastsiderailcorridortrail.questionpro.com or via email to ERCtrail@kingcounty.gov.
The Eastside Rail Corridor is part of a 42-mile rail line that was owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF). The corridor extends from Renton to Snohomish, passing through Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, and portions of unincorporated King County. It also includes the Redmond Spur, which extends south from Woodinville to Redmond.
When BNSF announced it would sell this corridor—now known as the Eastside Rail Corridor—King County and several cities and public agencies came together to preserve the corridor and place it in public ownership. These partners are collaborating to plan for the future of this important multi-use corridor.
As part of this effort, King County is developing a master plan for a major regional trail. Together with other segments, this trail will eventually connect Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, and Redmond with the rest of the regional trail system, while preserving the opportunity to co-locate rail and utilities in the future.
Additional information is available on the project website at www.kingcounty.gov/erc or by emailing ERCtrail@kingcounty.gov.
