The sandbags that have closed the Green River in Kent since 2009 are finally being removed. The trail should be fully open by the end of September, King County said.
“Removal of the sandbags means life is moving forward in the Valley,” said King County Flood Control District Chair Julia Patterson, who also represents the Green River Valley on the King County Council. “Bicyclists can once again enjoy full access to the trail, people who live here in the Green River Valley can return to their normal lives, and businesses in the Valley can get back to doing what they do best — keeping our regional economy strong.”
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The Green River Trail is the squiggly green line to the west of the Interurban Trail (straight green line).
The approximately 3-foot high sandbags were installed to provide extra flood protection to the cities of Kent, Auburn, and Tukwila after the 2009 announcement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that severe flooding was possible due to a damaged Howard Hanson Dam embankment. The Corps announced last fall that they are once again operating the dam at full capacity.
“The sandbags did their job during a time of increased risk of flooding,” said Flood Control District Executive Committee Chair Reagan Dunn. “It’s time, however, for the eyesores to be removed and to restore the Green River environment to its previous state. Removal will allow greater public access to our beloved regional trail, and let King County continue to properly operate and maintain the levees along the river.”
The first bags are being removed between S. 200th and S. 212th Streets and a portion of the Horseshoe Bend Levee in order to make way for other levee improvements currently underway. The contractor will then continue to remove bags in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
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The cost for removal of the sandbags is shared between the Flood Control District and the cities, with the District paying approximately $4.4 million and the cities paying approximately $1.4 million collectively. Kent’s portion is nearly $224,000.
This was pretty exciting to see this morning—I’ve always been curious to ride along that part of the trail, and I’m glad I’ll get a chance to soon.
Tom Fucoloro
Thanks for tweeting about it! I somehow missed the notice that they had started work. That’s why it’s great to have eyes on the ground :-)
Todd
You’re forgiven. :)
Biliruben
Rode it yesterday. There is maybe just quarter mile of bags in southern Kent left and a guide to get around the equipment.
Ignoring the signs seemed warranted.
Gary
Used to ride this trail all the time with the kids. Nice and flat and has reasonable scenery and good access from Fort Dent.
Breadbaker
The loop from Southcenter to where the Green River Trail intersects the Interurban and back was for many years my favorite ride. It will be wonderful to be able to do it again.
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The sandbags that have closed the Green River in Kent since 2009 are finally being removed. The trail should be fully open by the end of September, King County said.
Comments
7 responses to “County removing Green River Trail sandbags”
This was pretty exciting to see this morning—I’ve always been curious to ride along that part of the trail, and I’m glad I’ll get a chance to soon.
Thanks for tweeting about it! I somehow missed the notice that they had started work. That’s why it’s great to have eyes on the ground :-)
You’re forgiven. :)
Rode it yesterday. There is maybe just quarter mile of bags in southern Kent left and a guide to get around the equipment.
Ignoring the signs seemed warranted.
Used to ride this trail all the time with the kids. Nice and flat and has reasonable scenery and good access from Fort Dent.
The loop from Southcenter to where the Green River Trail intersects the Interurban and back was for many years my favorite ride. It will be wonderful to be able to do it again.
Awesome!