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Bellevue Beat | Wilburton Trestle to be a major attraction along Eastside Rail Corridor

Bellevue.com

Bellevue and several Eastside cities together with King County are planning for the future of the Eastside Rail Corridor (ERC), a part of a 42-mile rail line once owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF). When BNSF decided to sell, King County joined with other partners to preserve this valuable corridor and plan for its future as a multi-use corridor connecting the Eastside like never before and provide the cities of Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville and Redmond with new opportunities for non-motorized recreation and transportation.

 

520 Bridge Grand Opening
April 2 & 3

520 Bridge Grand Opening April 2-3 - photo courtesy of WSDOT | Bellevue.com

 
The Wilburton Trestle in Bellevue is an iconic part of the ERC and will be renovated as a trail bridge. Built in 1904, the trestle is nearly 1,000 feet long and over 100 feet high its highest point. It's the largest trestle in the Pacific Northwest and has been recommended as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to the ERC Trail Master Plan, the trestle would likely be one of the most popular destinations along the corridor. The trestle is likely to be a destination that trail users and visitors seek out as a destination in itself, as a place to enjoy sunset views, as a showcase for visitors to Bellevue and for users to simply linger to enjoy being outdoors and excitement of the elevated structure with nothing but timbers and air beneath.

Extra space will be added toward the edges of the structure so that users can continue on their way over the bridge in the center, while others wishing to stop and enjoy the views can stand at the edges of the trestle without impeding trail traffic. Railings will complement the trestle structure and support comfortable viewing at the edge.

Wilburton Trestle - Eastside Rail Corridor | Bellevue.com

For more information and details, visit Eastside Rail Corridor.

Published: March 2, 2016
Rendering and image courtesy of King County

 

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