A Transportation Corridor?

Not feasible today

Green Trees Surrounding Railroad TracksPreserving this corridor under federal rail banking laws as an interim trail today is the only way to preserve it as a transportation corridor in the future.

In 2005, the Puget Sound Regional Council designated the ERC a candidate for future High Capacity Transit. This designation protects and preserves the corridor’s potential as commuter transportation system under State growth management laws.

In June of 2007, King County Executive Ron Sims, Port Commissioner Bob Edwards, along with trail and transportation advocates signed Statement of Principals for Dual Use, further committing to preserving the corridor’s future as a transit corridor when adequate funding is identified.

  • King County Executive is purchasing ERC for a trail.
  • ERC is a single track. In some locations, it narrows to 10 feet. (See handouts)
  • The ERC is not currently wide enough for light rail or commuter rail – without substantial investments.
  • The ERC is not currently wide enough for rails and trails in many portions.
  • Sound Transit has not included ERC in Phase II.
  • RTID has not included ERC in planning efforts.
  • WSDOT has no plans to make this a transportation corridor.
  • PSRC draft report has concluded no light rail or commuter rail in the near future.
  • If we do not secure this corridor in public ownership, it will be sold off in pieces and lost forever.

Related information