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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels (former Mayor)
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Nickels Finds Solution to "Missing Link"
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
2/21/2003 2:05:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Mayor Nickels Finds Solution to
"Missing Link"
Announces Plan to Complete
Burke-Gilman Trail
SEATTLE - After decades of hearing it couldn't be
done, Mayor Greg Nickels will complete the "missing link" on the
Burke-Gilman Trail in Ballard. Nickels worked with neighborhood interests,
businesses and bicyclists to create a safe bicycle and pedestrian route that
will connect the existing Burke-Gilman Trail in Ballard with the new trail,
starting at the Locks and going west. (See attached map for specific route.)
"It's about time we got rid of the infamous
'missing link,'" said Nickels. "Together, with community
representatives, we found a solution that balances the needs of bicyclists,
pedestrians and businesses."
Originally, the Seattle Department of
Transportation (SDOT) investigated three alignment options for the trail. After
hearing from businesses and bicyclists, Nickels urged staff to develop an
alternative that incorporated the best elements of each alternative.
"Once we connect the existing and future
Burke-Gilman trail, bicyclists will enjoy a scenic, safe route through Ballard,
and manufacturing businesses along Shilshole Avenue will be able to operate and
thrive," said Nickels.
For years bicyclists have asked City Hall to do
something about the 1.5 mile "missing link." It has long served as a
frustration point because once bicyclists reached Ballard, they were left
without a defined route to get to the Locks and Golden Gardens Park. Completing
the trail will help about 2000 bicyclists and pedestrians expected to use the
Ballard section of the trail daily.
"We applaud the Mayor's political courage in
making a tough but sound decision that demonstrates he has the City's long-term
interest at heart," said Kevin Carrabine, President, Friends of the Burke
Gilman Trail. "By selecting the safest route to complete the Burke-Gilman
trail, he has shown that his commitment to keep Seattle a liveable City is
sincere."
Next week Mayor Nickels will be sending the City
Council a resolution outlining his proposed new route while SDOT officials begin
pursuing federal funding sources. A portion of the new route, made up of
designated paths and signed right-of-way, could be installed as early as 2005.
For more information, visit www.cityofseattle.gov/mayor
or www.cityofseattle.net/transportation/ballardcorridor.htm
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Office of the
Mayor
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