The University of Washington is ready to break ground in early October on the first phase of construction for the widened and redesigned Burke-Gilman Trail, and everyone is invited to the opening celebration.
UW President Ana Mari Cauce will lead a ceremonial groundbreaking on Tuesday, October 6th, from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and to say “thank you!” to State Representative Jessyn Farrell (46th), State Senator David Frockt (46th) and other leaders who championed the innovative project during the 2015 legislative session. Representative Farrell, in particular, played a leadership role in securing a $16 million appropriation for future Burke-Gilman Trail transit access, safety, and efficiency improvements.
What: Ceremonial Burke-Gilman Trail Groundbreaking
When: Tuesday, October 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
(Speakers and ceremonial groundbreaking 10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.)
Where: Burke-Gilman Trail, west of Bloedel Hall and Rainier Vista
In total, the University has received nearly $20 million in outside funding—including a $3.02 million grant in 2013 from the Puget Sound Regional Council—to improve an increasingly critical transportation connection to the University District. Thanks to these investments, nearly two miles of trail that traverse the UW campus will transform into a world-class walking and bicycling corridor that will serve as a model for urban trails nationwide. The project greatly expands capacity, improves safety through innovative design, promotes connections to transit and stimulates and supports bicycling and active modes.
The trail has continued to experience high volumes and requires significant work to maintain a state of good repair. It will be a daily first-and-last mile connection for even more commuters when Link light rail opens in March 2016 and the SR 520 pedestrian and bicycle bridge is completed in 2017. This project would not have been possible without the support of our elected officials and community leaders.
Getting to the event:
- Walking and Bicycling. Ride or walk right up to the event on the Burke-Gilman Trail. We are gathering just west of the Rainier Vista and Bloedel Hall. Ample bicycle parking is available just north of the trail at Bloedel Hall.
- Transit. Routes serving UW Medical Center stop at NE Pacific Place & NE Pacific Street, just south of the event location. These include routes 25, 43, 44, 48, 167, 271, 277, 540, 542, and 556.
- Parking. Use the E12 parking lot on the south side of Husky Stadium, accessed from Montlake Boulevard NE. Pay for parking ($3 per hour) at one of the pay stations. Use the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge to cross Montlake Boulevard and continue west from Rainier Vista on the Burke-Gilman Trail until you see the ceremony gathering.