Summary

Attendees will be able to discuss impact of the trail, as well as learn more about what to expect during construction to remove rails and install interim gravel trail.

Story

Renton area residents are invited to participate in an open house to learn more about removal of rails and construction of 5 miles of interim gravel trail on the Eastside Rail Corridor (ERC). King County will also be sharing updates about sections of paved trail that will be moving forward with design and construction over the next few years:

“Opening this interim trail will be a valuable addition to the Renton area and I look forward to seeing what the finalized trail will look like,” said Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, who represents part of Renton on the King County Council. “I encourage residents to attend this open house to learn more about the trail and give input to the future of this regional asset.”

Attendees will be able to discuss impact of the trail, as well as learn more about what to expect during construction to remove rails and install interim gravel trail.

This fall, King County Parks will begin removing rails in portions of the Eastside Rail Corridor and interim gravel trails will be opened. A four mile long segment from Gene Coulon Park in Renton to Newcastle Beach Park in Bellevue will also open connecting with the existing Lake Washington Loop Trail. A one-mile segment will also open in Bellevue between the Cross Kirkland Corridor and the new Spring District in the Bel-Red area. This section will include a connection to the 520 Trail by next spring.

“Opening 4 miles of interim gravel trail between Newcastle Beach Park and Gene Coulon Park with connections to the existing Lake Washington Loop Trail; and another mile connecting the Cross Kirkland Corridor into Bellevue, will be an exciting new recreational opportunity and open up portions of the ERC to the community to enjoy now, even as we work toward design and construction of the future paved trail,” said Erica Jacobs from King County Parks.

King County is planning 16.7 miles of new regional trail that will connect Eastside cities including Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, and Redmond. The trail will provide new opportunities for non-motorized recreation and transportation.