November 2009
- We awarded the contract for this project to KLB Construction, Inc. of Lynnwood on July 20, 2009. We expect to start construction in late spring of 2010 to avoid the muddy season.
- This project is largely funded by a $3.5 million grant from Washington State Parks.
The Washington State Department of Transportation will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists with a new shared-use, gravel trail near Interstate 90 in Issaquah. The trail will connect the east end of the Issaquah-High Point Trail to the west end of the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail. Crews will build the trail in two stages. This connector trail fills a gap in the Mountains to Sound Greenway regional trail system.
Why is WSDOT
building a pedestrian and bicycle trail to connect two existing trails?
Pedestrians and bicyclists are at risk of colliding with vehicle traffic in-between the east end of the Issaquah-High Point Trail and the west end of the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail. They are at risk because they must share narrow local streets with cars and trucks or use the shoulder along westbound I-90 to connect between trails.
The End Result
The new 1.2-mile connector trail will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists and provide scenic, shared-use trail access between Issaquah and Preston.
This trail will be built in two stages.
Stage 1: We will build a trail to connect the Issaquah-High Point Trail to just short of the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail trailhead at SE High Point Way near 280th Drive SE. We expect to build the trail in late spring and summer 2010 to avoid the muddy season.
Stage 2: Crews will improve the existing shoulder along SE High Point Way to the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail trailhead in Preston. Currently there is no funding to build Stage 2. Construction on Stage 2 will begin when funding becomes available.
Project Benefits
Improves safety:
- Separating trail users from I-90 and local streets improves safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.
Protects the environment:
- A new pedestrian bridge and a converted railroad trestle will prevent trail users from disturbing the East Fork Issaquah Creek and nearby wetlands.
- Retaining walls located at steeper sections will help minimize impact to the natural environment by keeping the trail intact.
What is the project timeline?
- June 2009 - We advertised Stage 1 of this project for competitive bidding.
- July 20, 2009 - We awarded the project contract to KLB Construction, Inc. of Lynnwood.
- May 2010 - We expect to begin construction on Stage 1.
- August 2010 - We expect to complete construction of Stage 1.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- Pre-existing funds: $1.1 million
- Washington State Parks: $3.5 million
- Total funding available: $4.6 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
John Chi, Project Engineer
chij@wsdot.wa.gov
425-489-5402
Meghan Soptich Pembroke, Communications
pembrom@wsdot.wa.gov
206-440-4704
back to top