Facilities Management Division
500 Fourth Ave., Suite 820
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-296-1822
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East Lake Sammamish Trail

 ELST_Main

East Lake Sammamish Trail

Real time updates Project summary
Project background (pdf) Project contacts
Project documents News releases

I. Project Update - North Sammamish Segment (187th to Inglewood Hill Road)

Design of the 2.6-mile North Sammamish Segment started in January 2012. See the ninety percent construction plans by section (November 2012) and read the North Sammamish project FAQ to learn more about the project.

Read about the latest project updates (PDF) (updated regularly).

II. Project Update - Issaquah Segment

The Issaquah Segment (between Gilman Boulevard and SE 43rd Street) is currently under construction and will open soon! Although paving has been completed, other safety-associated work is underway, for example, installation of split rail fence /chain link fence, bollards, striping/signage and landscaping. The opening to public is anticipated in early June 2013. Stay tuned! See the trail closure mapproject FAQ and activites for more details.

Read about the latest project updates (PDF) (updated weekly).

III. Project Update - Redmond Segment

This segment is complete. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 7, 2011. Photos from the ceremony are posted here. Project documents can be found here.


Project Summary

The East Lake Sammamish Master Plan Trail (ELST) project includes design and construction of an alternative, non-motorized transportation corridor and a multi-use recreational trail along 11 miles of the former Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad corridor on the east side of Lake Sammamish, from Redmond to Issaquah. The trail will provide access to recreation, employment and retail in the cities of Redmond, Sammamish and Issaquah.

The ELST is the missing link in a 44-mile urban regional trail system linking Seattle to the hub of East King County and on to the Cascade Foothills.  

This project has developed in two stages:
Interim Use Trail and Resource Protection Plan
The Interim use Trail, which was completed in 2006, originally extended south from NE 70th Street in Redmond to Gilman Boulevard in Issaquah and features a crushed gravel surface.

Master Plan Trail
The ELST is being constructed in phases as funding allows. Construction includes a 12-foot-wide asphalt trail with two – 2 ft. soft surface shoulders and two – 1 ft. clear zones on each side on each side of the trail. Additionally, construction includes; retaining walls, improved intersections, improved drainage systems, fish passable culverts, bollards, fencing and other trail amenities. The Master Plan Trial also includes plans to construct a total of 3 parking lots (2 parking lots with restrooms) for trail users; NE 70th St in Redmond, Inglewood Hill in Sammamish and SE 33rd St in Sammamish.
ELST Master Plan Phases (segments):

  • Redmond Segment (NE 70th Street to City of Redmond / City of Sammamish boarder) – Completed and opened it to the public November 2011.
  • Issaquah Segment (Gilman Blvd. to City of Issaquah / City of Sammamish boarder) - is currently under construction and is anticipated to open to the public early summer 2013.
  • North Sammamish Segment (City of Redmond / City of Sammamish boarder to Inglewood Hill) – Construction to begin summer 2013. Complete construction summer 2014.
  • South Sammamish Segment A (Inglewood Hill to SE 33rd St) – as funding allows
  • South Sammamish Segment B (SE 33rd St. to City of Sammamish / City of Issaquah boarder) – as funding allows
  • Parking Lot and Restrooms at Inglewood Hill – as funding allows
  • Parking Lot and Restrooms at SE 33rd St – as funding allows


News Releases

News Release: "Pavement, other improvements coming to East Lake Sammamish Trail in Issaquah" May 9, 2012News Release: "King County officially opens Redmond stretch of East Lake Sammamish Trail" November 7, 2011
News Release: "Redmond segment of East Lake Sammamish Trail to open ahead of schedule, under budget" October 21, 2011
News Release: "East Lake Sammamish Trail paving work requires closure through Redmond stretch" March 3, 2011
News Release: "East Lake Sammamish Trail plans take next step" May 27, 2010


Project Contacts

Redmond/North Sammamish/South Sammamish Segment:
Gina Auld
Capital Project Manager

Issaquah Segment:
Karan Soi
Capital Project Manager

Design Architect:
Parametrix, Inc.
411-108th Avenue NE, Suite 1800
Bellevue, WA 98004-5571

Stay up-to-date

Related links


ELST_map

Regional Trails in King County Map

RegionalTrailsMap

PRESS