Seattle's Bill Dawson Trail users must brace themselves for a significant change in their daily routes. Starting May 12, the popular pathway will be off-limits due to construction work that's part of the SR 520 Portage Bay Bridge and Roanoke Lid Project. This initiative, driven by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), will convert the trail into a temporary haul road essential for building new Portage Bay bridges, as reported by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The closure will stretch over five years, with a complete shutdown day and night until the anticipated reopening in 2030. It will require some flexibility and patience from the community's walkers, bikers, and rollers, who are now faced with following signed detours and seeking alternate routes. The encumbering impact of the work means that Montlake Playfield will remain accessible, but the journey there may be a tad more circuitous during the construction period.
Looking beyond the inconvenience, there's a silver lining. The trail is expected to see significant improvements following the project's completion. WSDOT's online FAQ details the enhancements, which include a wider and flatter path, from 8 feet to 14 feet, complete with a distinct raised sidewalk for pedestrians, improved lighting, and landscaping. Moreover, the accessibility will be boosted by a new ADA-compliant ramp and stairs near Montlake Boulevard.
