Public comment period extended two weeks on plan to improve popular Burke-Gilman Trail

King County sets Dec. 18 deadline for written comments

To provide more time for a thorough public review, King County has extended by two weeks the written comment period for the Burke-Gilman Trail redevelopment project's draft environmental impact statement (DEIS).

The deadline for written comments is now set at 5 p.m. on Dec. 18.

Major safety upgrades have been proposed for the Burke-Gilman Trail through Lake Forest Park – the first improvements along this heavily used two-mile stretch since the trail was built more than three decades ago.

The trail is the backbone of King County's regional trail system, and serves not only as a major recreational feature, but as an important daily commuting route, too. However, after three decades of increased use, this portion of the trail is beginning to deteriorate.

The proposed redevelopment is planned for the stretch of trail from Northeast 145th Street through the City of Lake Forest Park to Log Boom Park.

The DEIS evaluates two alternatives for redeveloping this trail segment. King County's preferred alternative includes widening and repaving the trail, plus improving drainage. A second alternative includes reconstructing the trail in-kind with no additional widening.

The alternatives were developed with substantial public input through neighborhood workshops, public and agency meetings and a citizens advisory group.

Traffic controls and signage would be redesigned and sight distance improved at intersections and driveway crossings under both alternatives. There is also a no-action alternative.

All comments received prior to midnight on Dec. 18 will be reviewed by the Burke-Gilman Trail Redevelopment Project Team and included in the formal comment record for consideration in the final EIS.

Written comments should be sent to Gina Auld, King County Facilities Management Division, King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 700, Seattle, WA 98104 or sent via e-mail to fmd.sepacomments@kingcounty.gov. More information is available by contacting Auld at 206-263-7281.

The DEIS is available for review or can be downloaded on the project Web site at; www.metrokc.gov/facilities/burkegilmantrail.The DEIS is available for review at several locations:

Seattle Public Library, Lake City Branch – 12501 28th Ave. N.E., Seattle 
Lake Forest Park Public Library – 17171 Bothell Way N.E., Lake Forest Park
Kenmore Library – 18138 73rd N.E., Kenmore
Bothell Regional Library – 18215 98th Ave. N.E., Bothell
Shoreline Library – 345 N.E. 175th, Shoreline

Copies of the DEIS and Technical Appendices are available for review at the King County Facilities Management Division, King County Administration Building, Room 320, 500 4th Ave., Seattle.

More information on King County's regional trail system is available at www.metrokc.gov/parks/trails/.