We respectfully disagree with the Superior Court’s decision which challenges our
ability to successfully manage the public right-of-way for the health and safety of
the travelling public. This decision could have concerning broader implications for
public safety, and we plan to appeal the matter to the Court of Appeals which is
already considering a related case about the Burke-Gilman Trail.
Completing the Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link is one part of a larger Ballard
Multimodal Corridor project which also includes roadway paving, new sidewalks,
storm drainage, and signal improvements. These critical changes have been
repeatedly delayed due to ongoing legal challenges. SDOT believes that the project
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) demonstrates that the planned trail
alignment provides the best public safety option while also mitigating potential
impacts to businesses. We will continue to pursue resolution through the courts
rather than compromising public safety with an inferior alternative route.
SDOT’s recent work on Phase 1 of the Ballard Multimodal Corridor project (between
the Ballard Locks and 24th Ave NW) did not include any of the features, signage, or
markings planned for the Burke-Gilman Trail. Now that most aspects of Phase 1
construction of the Ballard Multimodal Corridor project unrelated to the trail have
been completed, we do not anticipate beginning construction on Phases 2 or 3 until
late 2021/early 2022 at the soonest as a result of ongoing court proceedings, with
possible further delays due to this latest court ruling.

Ethan Bergerson (he/him)

Seattle Department of Transportation
Media & Public Affairs Lead