State Transportation Funding Priorities for Eastrail
While so much is underway to make a fully-connected Eastrail a reality, significant gaps and funding needs remain.
We are grateful for legislative champions who made Eastrail a priority in the 2021 Washington State legislative session, and are hopeful that the following projects will receive funding in future transportation revenue packages.
Running from south to north along the corridor the following projects are the priority projects positioned for state transportation funding totaling $29 million in investments.
Connection to Gene Coulon Park and Southport, Renton
Developing trail connection from the southern terminus of Eastrail (Milepost 5/Mountain View Lane) will allow for the next step in linking the Eastrail to existing multi-modal entrances to Gene Coulon Park and the Southport on Lake Washington complex in Renton. This also helps open up a generational opportunity to link Eastrail with two major regional trail corridors in South King County – the Cedar River and Lake-to-Sound trails. It would also link Eastrail with a future ferry-service terminal, hotels, and several other businesses, transportation hubs and regional trails in South King County.
Needed Investment: $6M to start development process
Timeline: 2025-26 completion (trail segment can be constructed within two years of the acquisition to Coulon)
I-90 Steel Bridge & Adjacent Trail Connections, Bellevue
Spanning Interstate 90 just west of I-405, this former railroad crossing is key to a seamless trail experience connecting Renton and points south of I-90 to the rest of the Eastrail. The I-90 Steel Bridge will also make possible easy bike commute connections from the east and west via the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail.
This project is a key component to equity in the corridor, creating access and connections for southern King County communities to employment opportunities, greenspace, transit, other Eastside communities, and our larger regional trail system. Funding will allow the bridge to be safely retrofitted for bike and pedestrian use, as well as paving adjacent trail sections that will complete Eastrail infrastructure in this area of Bellevue.
Needed Investment: $18M
Timeline: 12-18 months once funding is acquired
SR202, Woodinville
This project will expand and improve where the Eastrail passes over State Route 202 at the entrance of downtown Woodinville. With other sections of Eastrail in the Woodinville area opening in 2022, funding and implementing this project will make it possible to complete the full Woodinville section to the Snohomish County line.
Needed Investment: $5M to widen the bridge base and kickstart the Eastrail crossing.
Timeframe: City has begun design and could be construction ready by 2023 once funding is acquired
These three projects represent the last significant gaps to a fully connected Eastrail corridor from Renton to Woodinville, WA. A fully connected Eastrail will improve equity through access to transit options and to greenspace, decreasing carbon emissions; produce positive health outcomes for all populations; and boost economic growth.
Resources: Interactive project map and user map