ERC Trail Update - 1/10/2018

​Construction work on the Eastside Rail Corridor regional trail through Kennydale is proceeding very well, and in fact all of the trail is walkable (except when a portion is closed due to nearby construction activity).  The southernmost part of the trail starts at the northern boundary of Gene Coulon Beach Park.  As you walk northward from that point, you will be on a smooth, graded surface consisting of gravel that is covered with well compacted and rolled fine gravel (almost like sand).  This surface continues to the Ripley Lane N. trestle (north of the Seahawk,s training facility), where it transitions to a slightly less-finished surface, but still very walkable.  The local road crossings at Mountain View Ave. N, N. 37th, 41st and 43rd Streets and the 2 driveway crossings at the Seahawk’s facility have all been converted to smooth asphalt pavement.  The portion of the trail that parallel Ripley Lane N. up to the Renton City line is also very walkable. We did not review any of the trail building north of the Renton city limits. In all portions of the trail, walkers should use caution whenever they encounter an occasional uneven surface due to ongoing construction.  Currently on selected portions of the trail, a timber border, anchored with steel posts, is being installed on the west edge of the trail.  This is apparently intended to stabilize the gravel bed from migrating down the adjacent steep slope.
 
It is very encouraging to see the heavy use of the trail by walkers and joggers, and one can easily see that most of them now choose to use the trail rather than the pedestrian lanes on Lake Washington Blvd. North.  Again, with the on-going placement of the timber border and possible other construction activity, please use caution on the trail ! ​