The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the Burke-Gilman bike trail, from 11th Ave NW to the Ballard Locks, has been released for review. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is accepting comments on the DEIS until midnight, August 1st.
This extension to the Burke-Gilman Trail would connect two existing portions of the popular, well-used pedestrian and cycling passage, through the Ballard neighborhood – and finally complete the Trail route from Kenmore Park to Golden Gardens. However, several routes previously proposed have been determined as unsafe, or interfering with industrial/maritime business operations.
SDOT has a website with links to the complete, newly written DEIS, broken down by chapters. However, a hardcopy form can also be reviewed at the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections Public Resource Center, the University of Washington library, and eight locations of the Seattle Public Library, including the Fremont Branch Library. For those who need a printed copy of the full DEIS, those are available for purchase (for $50) by calling 206/615-0786.
After review of the DEIS, attend a public hearing to learn more about the alternative routes and get answers to other questions. Also attend to provide comments through writing or oral testimony. Public hearings are currently scheduled, in Ballard at the Leif Erikson Hall, for:
- Thursday, July 14th from 6p – 9p
- Saturday, July 14th from 10a – 1p
For questions about the public hearings, and accommodations, contact BGT_MissingLink_Info@seattle.gov For those unable or uninterested in attending the hearings, but who still want to comment on the DEIS, can send their comments to the e-mail address above, or by mail to: Scott Kubly, Director; Seattle Department of Transportation; c/o Mark Mazzola, Environmental Manager; P.O. Box 34996; Seattle, WA 98124-4996
After the public comment period this summer, a final EIS is expected to be developed in the near future, based on the comments received. For a history on the whole Burke-Gilman Trail, visit the SDOT BGT history page.