You have already told SDOT to build a continuous waterfront trail between Myrtle Edwards Park and the new downtown waterfront, but city plans still show the trail crossing Alaskan Way twice in a matter of a couple blocks near the cruise ship terminal at Pier 66. Now Seattle Neighborhood Greenways has another action alert you can use to ask the Port of Seattle Commissioners to work with the city to create a seamless waterside trail that also works for the cruise terminal.
There is so much space on Alaskan Way to work with in this spot. While the cruise terminal can get busy and hectic when a ship is loading and unloading, we’re talking about a few hours on a set schedule throughout about half the year. That’s not a good reason to create what is essentially a year-round trail detour. The risk is that people will not bother following such a short detour, instead opting to ride in the street or on the sidewalk and defeating the entire purpose of this project. It will also add time to bike trips and make the experience less pleasant, a major concern since the public has invested a lot of money to remake this waterfront. If we can build a trail that passes in front of the ferry terminal, then we can do it for the cruise terminal, too. We’ve done all the spins and flips to build a waterfront trail, now we just need to stick the landing.
We can find a solution, whether than means setting up a temporary detour during busy hours or simply designing a trail that can exist safely during busy hours.
Here’s the sample text of the letter from the SNG action alert:
Dear Port of Seattle Commissioners,
Please support a seamless and safe downtown waterfront trail!
With the still-under-construction waterfront trail ending at Pier 62 next to the Aquarium, and the Elliot Bay Trail not starting until the Sculpture Park, we are left with a dangerous and unpleasant gap that must be closed. Thousands of people walking, biking, rolling, running, and scooting will be attempting to connect these two trails every day.
Thankfully, SDOT is working to build a trail to close this gap. But last year the Port of Seattle asked SDOT to detour everyone using the future trail across the busy Alaskan Way roadway, twice, just to continue onto the rest of the trail. This is not an acceptable solution.
We must create a direct and safe waterfront trail on the water-side of the street that provides a convenient, safe, and intuitive experience for everyone. If necessary, exceptions could be made for temporary and short detours during heavy cruise ship loading and unloading times.
By supporting a seamless trail connection, the Port of Seattle would improve safety, reduce emissions, increase healthy physical activity, and create a legacy we can all be proud of. Please support a seamless connection.
Thank you.
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