Before and after: Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link gets a makeover under the Ballard Bridge

Meghan Walker Ballard

The City of Seattle has finally paved over the dangerous railroad tracks on the Burke-Gilman Trail’s Missing Link.

District 6 Councilmember Dan Strauss passed legislation that allowed the City to fix the notoriously dangerous section of the trail. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) completed the paving project last week, and cyclists are rejoicing.

Strauss’s legislation allowed Ballard Terminal Railroad to transfer ownership of the line to Meeker Southern Railroad. The transfer then allowed SDOT to complete the work paving over the railroad tracks.

“I am excited we can finally make one of the most dangerous railroad crossings in our city safe for people riding bikes,” Councilmember Strauss wrote in his newsletter.

“When I was in grade school I watched someone crash on these tracks the very first time I rode my bike on this section of the Missing Link and I am glad we can finally put a stop to this. I am proud to deliver this outcome for District 6 and our City by bringing people together to find common ground.”