Small Town News

City Council OKs agreements to build 1-90 trail connector

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A pedestrian connector designed to bridge Interstate 90 will move ahead, after City Council members approved important agreements for the project Feb. 16.

The project aims complete a trail about 1,600 feet long, between the end of the state Route 900 boardwalk at the east-bound 1-90 off-ramp on the south side of the interstate, and the Sammamish Trail on the north.

Transportation officials said the project should improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists along state Route 900. Critics encouraged planners to build the crossing at another location, to no avail.

The agreement between Issaquah and the state Department of Transportation shifts the requirement for maintenance of the connector from the agency to the city. The pact also allows the city to use some of the state right of way for the link.

Another agreement approved by the City Council deals with construction of the connector. The project location -- at a busy interstate interchange -- requires the DOT to manage construction.

City Public Works Engineering Director Bob Brock wants to put the project out to bid within 60 days, and begin construction on the connector by summer. A city inspector will work alongside the DOT during construction.

Most of the $6 million price tag for the project will be funded through grants, including $400,000 from Sound Transit. The city contributed about $341,000 toward the link.

Plans call for a separate 12-foot-wide pedestrian bridge across the westbound 1-90 on-ramps and modifications to the existing state Route 900 overpass to install a 10-foot-wide pedestrian crossing.



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© 2010 The Issaquah Press Issaquah, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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