Big North Seattle stretch of Burke-Gilman Trail getting pavement fixes this month

The Move Seattle transportation levy kicks in January 1, but the expiring nine-year-old Bridging the Gap levy still has a little life left. And part of that remaining funding is being put to very good use: Fixing pavement on the Burke-Gilman Trail from 40th Ave NE to the city's northern border.

Starting Monday, crews will work into January repairing sections of the well-used but deteriorating trail. These are some of the oldest sections of the trail, serving the city and region well for nearly 40 years. But there are also many sections riddled with bumps ranging from annoying to dangerous, especially at night when low light makes it very difficult to see and prepare for them.

So if you are biking the trial, give yourself a little extra time and be ready for some short delays or detours.

This investment comes after the city conducted a survey of trail conditions to prepare a trails upgrade plan. The city's Parks District is also prepping more trail and parks access work in 2016.

Details from SDOT:

A contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation plans to repair and repave portions the Burke-Gilman Trail from Dec. 21 to early January, depending on the weather, from 40th Avenue Northeast to Northeast 145th Street. The Seattle Park Department will also be making trail repairs. Bicyclists may need to dismount and walk on soft shoulders of the trail for short distances. There will be parallel detour routes at some locations. At Northeast 145th Street, traffic flaggers will assist bicyclists.

This work is part of SDOT's implementation of the Seattle Bicycle Master Plan Update and funded by the Bridging the Gap levy approved by Seattle voters.