A map shows Seattle's Burke-Gilman Trail that runs to Bothell with a gap in Ballard

For completionists, this Burke-Gilman Trail map has likely caused some anxiety. | Photo via Dan Strauss’s office

Don’t look now, but there may be a road map to completing the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Ballard’s City Councilman Dan Strauss recently submitted a new proposal to Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), looking to shake loose decades of delays in the neighborhood he represents.

Here’s what’s going on with the so-called missing link.

Long and winding road

The Burke-Gilman trail is a 20-mile bike route that runs from Golden Gardens Park in Seattle all the way to Bothell — however, part of the trail is disconnected in Ballard. Even though the separation has shrunk over time, there’s still a 1.4-mile gap near Salmon Bay — that’s the missing link.

For years, the city and industrial businesses have disputed the stretch at Shilshole Avenue (including train tracks the city wanted to move), which resulted in ongoing litigation. This has slowed down Seattle’s construction plans.

A map of Ballard that shows the Burke-Gilman trail and a proposed alternate route to complete the missing link. — The alternate route would go up Market Street farther and then down 17th Avenue NW.

Dan with a plan

Instead of waiting to complete the gap on Shilshole, Strauss proposed a connection for Burke-Gilman two blocks away at Leary Avenue. The path would include 12 feet of space for biking, strolling, scooting, and other uses — as well as a 5-foot buffer from cars.

According to Strauss, the advantage of the Leary proposal is that it avoids the large shipping industries and directs folks closer to shops and restaurants. The trail already runs in proximity to thoroughfares like Market Avenue — so Strauss hopes this route would be a similar win-win for businesses and bikes.

What’s next?

SDOT is currently reviewing the plan to determine its viability. Potential pitfalls that could affect whether the plan moves forward or not include project costs and other urban design challenges. However, Strauss wrote that he hopes his proposal could still be used as a “baseline” for future design considerations.

If SDOT decides to move forward with the plan — or a variation of it — expect public meetings for feedback, so stay tuned.

EVENTS

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Thursday, March 16

Art Walk Edmonds | Thursday, Mar. 16 | 5-8 p.m. | Various locations, Downtown Edmonds | Free | Local and regional artists show off their work at businesses in the Eastside city.
Ignite Seattle | Thursday, Mar. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle | $10-$15 | Seattle’s largest open forum speaking event tackles quirky topics — like what horses can tell us about the holidays.

Friday, March 17

Seattle Secrets | Friday, Mar. 17-Saturday, Mar. 18 | 7-8:15 p.m. | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle | $15 | The lighthearted improv show shares gossip submitted anonymously by audience members.
Gene Kelly: A Life in Music | Friday, Mar. 17-Sunday, Mar. 19 | Times vary | Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle | $46-$132 | Celebrate the career of this legendary dancer with film scenes set to live music from the Seattle Symphony.

Saturday, March 18

Craft and Collaboration | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Ballard Homestead, 6541 Jones Ave. NW, Seattle | $50 | Aspiring filmmakers can find potential collaborators and learn from experts in this all-day, hands-on workshop.
Sounders FC vs. Los Angeles FC | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 11:30 a.m. | Lumen Field, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle | $36-$495 | Watch Jordan Morris, Christian Roldan, and the crew take on the defending MLS Cup champions.
Hangar 30 Flea | Saturday, Mar. 18 | 12-8 p.m. | Magnuson Park Hangar 30, 6310 NE 74th St., Seattle | $10-$20 | Shop for vintage clothes in this massive market with six food trucks and a cocktail bar.

Sunday, March 19

Drum and Colours: “Henry IV” Talkback | Sunday, Mar. 19 | 4-5 p.m. | Center Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle | $46-$56 | Watch the classic Shakespeare play, then hang out after the show for a Q+A with the cast and production team.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

THE WEEKEND IS CALLING

NEWS NOTES

Weather

54º | Mix of clouds and sun | 6% chance of rain
Bust out the suntan lotion. Seattle could see the theremometer climb up to 60º by the end of the week, which would be the highest temp of the year so far. It’d still be far below the March 17 record set in 1947 at 71º — but we’ll take what we can get. (Seattle Times)

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:20 a.m.
Set: 7:16 p.m.

Edu

The Seattle Preschool Program (PPP) is expanding with seven new classrooms, including three from La Escuelita Bilingual School. Applications for SPP — which provides free tuition for most families — are now open for the 2023-2024 school year.

Real Estate

Discount alert — the price for Russell Wilson’s former home in Bellevue has dropped. The 6 BR/6 BA property was listed last April for $28 million with an adjacent, $10 million lot. That lot has been purchased, but you can still have the pad for a cool $26 million. (Seattle Refined)

Drink

Chateau Ste. Michelle announced a new partnership with entertainment company Live Nation and will now appear at its 78 venues and three music festivals across the US. Live Nation will also manage booking for Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Summer Concert Series in Woodinville.

Biz

Batter up. The MLB All-Star Game at T-Mobile Park is expected to generate over $50 million for the city’s economy, according to a recent Visit Seattle estimate. That number includes hotel bookings, tickets sales, tax revenue, and other activities around All-Star weekend starting Friday, July 7. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Announced

Wanna bust a gut? Superstar comedian Ali Wong — known for her hilariously dirty stand-up performances — is heading to McCaw Hall this summer. Tickets for the Wednesday, July 12 show go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Outdoors

King County Parks is hosting an online open house on Wednesday, March 22 about a new property on Vashon Island. The 110-acre “Wax Orchard” area has been suggested for public recreational uses, like an off-leash dog area and the return of the annual Sheepdog Classic.

Coming Soon

A new market, cafe, and bar is coming to Capitol Hill. Bar Bayonne plans to open this summer next to French restaurant L’Oursin, run by the same owners. Expect sandwiches, quiches, and coffee during the day, with wine and small plates at night. (Capitol Hill Blog)

Tech

Looking for a new laptop that checks all the boxes without breaking the bank? Enter: the Acer Chromebook 311. This lightweight laptop is decked out with all the essential Google apps — like Google Chrome and Google Calendar — it’s quiet, and it has up to 10 hours of battery life.*

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TRAVEL

Stress less at the airport

Cut down your travel time with TSA PreCheck. | Photo via Pexels

Planning a spring getaway? Don’t forget to add TSA PreCheck enrollment to your pre-vacay to-do list.

The government program provides an expedited security lane at 200+ airports for travelers that pass a security screening — which includes a short application and a 10-minute in-person enrollment appointment — and are given a Known Traveler Number. Bonus: The screening is good for five years and costs $78.

The main benefit of enrolling? Save time when traveling. Recent data found that 96% of TSA PreCheck passengers spent less than five minutes at airport security checkpoints.

To apply, find out if you are eligible, then fill out an application and schedule an appointment at a nearby enrollment center. Most people will know if their application has been approved within three to five days.

Psst — don’t forget to read our airport guide before heading to Sea-Tac, and grab these airport essentials: a memory foam travel pillow, this smart luggage carry-on set, and an AirFly wireless headphones transmitter.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Gabe.

Editor’s pick: Looking for sushi... without the seafood? Queen Anne’s Sushi Samurai is now 100% vegan — and honestly I didn’t really miss the fish on a recent visit. Try the Tiger Roll, which has delightfully crunchy avocado tempura inside.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Gaze at some of Seattle’s most eye-catching murals.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alina Hunter-Grah, Gabe Guarente, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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