The City of Redmond will be breaking ground on the next segment of the Redmond Central Connector Trail this month. This segment is Phase II of the three-phase project. Phase II will build 1.3 miles of paved trail on a former BNSF rail bed. The new trail will run parallel to Willows Road (from the Sammamish River trestle to the 9900 block of Willows Road), and users will be able to connect to businesses and retail establishments along that street. It will also connect to the PSE trail.

The old railroad bed was purchased by the city in 2010 and has been open for public use since that time. This segment of the trail will be closed starting April 25 while the new trail is being constructed. It is anticipated that the new trail will be open for use by early 2017.

The project includes a retrofit and a new modern deck for the old railroad trestle that spans across the Sammamish River. Pedestrians and bicycles will be able to use the trestle and have views of the river below. The city is working with a group of local experts to design interpretive art integrated into panels on the bridge structure. Elements of this multi-use trail include a retrofit of the bridge over 154th Avenue Northeast and integrated art by Side Car Collective.

Continuation of design elements used in Phase I of the project that runs through downtown Redmond, include:

• Landscaping

• Seating areas next to the trail

• Green construction including sections of permeable pavement

The Phase II segment will eventually connect to the Cross Kirkland Trail and will become part of the Eastside Rail Corridor.