The “Missing Links” Multi-Use Trail would begin heading West from the corner of 11th Ave. In this active marine industrial district the Trail would complement street and rail line improvements while maintaining a simple and safe character.

(Click photos to enlarge.)

After passing under the Ballard Bridge the trail moves to the North side of the rail main line and is protected by street parking from the arterial traffic of Shilshole Ave NW. At 17th Avenue NW. The architects envision an “oasis” which signals a safe crossing location which connects the Trail to the Ballard Ave. NW National Historic District and neighborhoods to the North.

(Click photos to enlarge.)

Safety and sightlines are emphasized for the Trail through the dense truck crossing zone of Shilshole Ave NW. The Trail is separated for pedestrian and wheeled use and centered in the right-of-way allowing multiple industrial use on each side.

(Click photos to enlarge.)

The rail-trail right-of-way and adjacent publicly owned property allows the trail corridor to take a more tree-line character near 24th Ave. NW. The right-of-way could be shared with industrial access improvements to the South and public connections to the Ballard Market Street Commercial District, and the community developed street and park.

(Click photos to enlarge.)

As the “Missing Link” rail-trail- corridor approaches the Chittenden Locks & Gardens and the funded trail extension West to Golden Gardens, it curves and comes to a plaza. The intention is to safely merge with public access traffic to the Locks, and offering an inviting alternative means of returning to Central Ballard and trail points Eastward.

(Click photos to enlarge.)