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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015
Vol. CXXIV, No. 83
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF TACOMA Devoted to the Courts, Real Estate, Finance, Industrial Activities, and Publication of Legal Notices
Published Published Since Since 1890 1890
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Water Flume Line
Bicyclists, pedestrians celebrate historic trail restoration Photos By Todd Matthews, Editor Bicyclists and pedestrians joined City of Tacoma officials to mark the completion of the second phase of the restoration of the historic Water Flume Line Trail during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday. The trail—formerly known as the Water Ditch Trail—was originally part of a 110-year-old system that crossed Tacoma and extended to Mt. Rainier. The City broke ground on the first phase of the restoration project in 2008, and, one year later, completed that phase, which included rebuilding a section of the historic trail to modern bikeway standards featuring a 10-foot asphalt path with two feet of crushed rock shoulders (see "Phase one Historic Water Ditch Trail complete," Tacoma Daily Index, March 5, 2009). Later phases will link South Tacoma with the Tacoma Dome area, downtown Tacoma, and Thea Foss Waterway. The project is part of the City's effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along the South Tacoma Way Corridor by restoring the 6.5-mile trail. The recently completed 1.8-mile segment is anchored at both ends by parks and includes construction of ADA accessible curb ramps, traffic signals for safer crossings, reconstruction of hazardous sidewalks, interpretive and wayfinding signs, energy conserving LED lighting, benches, and bike racks. According to City of Tacoma Project Manager Said Seddiki, the Water Flume Line Trail is being restored in four stages. Phase One (2.7 miles / $1.6 million) — Completed in 2009, this phase included trail improvements along South Clement Street between South 60th Street and South 72nd Street, and between South 47th Street and South 56th Street. Phase Two (1.8 miles / $2.25 million) — Completed this year, this phase includes trail improvements between South 72nd Street and South 80th Street, between South 56th Street and South 60th Street, and from Washington Street at South Tacoma Way to South 47th Street. Phase Three (0.83 miles) — Currently unfunded and in the design stage, this phase will include trail improvements on South Tacoma Way between South Pine Street and South M Street. Phase Four (1.17 miles / estimated $2.86 million) — Currently in the design stage, this phase will include trail improvements on South Tacoma Way between South M Street and South C Street. Construction is anticipated to begin in November.
Tacoma City Councilmember Lauren Walker led a group of cyclists along a recently completed section of the historic Water Flume Trail during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday in Tacoma. The event marked the completion of the second phase of what will eventually be a 6.5mile trail linking South Tacoma to downtown Tacoma.
Several project stakeholders spoke about the historic trail, the restoration project, and the importance of trails for bicyclists and pedestrians during the ceremony this week. Their comments have been edited for clarity and abridged for publication. Dana Brown, Assistant Division Manager, City of Tacoma Public Works and Engineering Department I thought it would be prudent to start off with a little context of where we have been with this trail. Over 130 years ago, this right-of-way was used as a trail and it contained a wooden flume to convey water for citizens of Tacoma. This newly constructed trail honors the past by restoring this [nearly] two-mile segment for the benefit and enjoyment of all users. This journey started in the mid-1990s with a plan created by the City of Tacoma and two people—one was
my co-worker, Scott Pierson, and one was an engineer for the Water Department named Bob Myrick. They were both very avid bicyclists. They created a spine of a trail system in Tacoma. There were really four trails and this just happened to be one of them. What that spine became was the future connections for all non-motorized activities in Tacoma. We're still using that boilerplate today. The first focus really was on the trail that was developed adjacent to State Route 16, which was eventually named the Scott Pierson Trail in honor of Scott after his unexpected passing in early 2000. Shortly after that, I volunteered to continue the efforts of the trail system. Unfortunately, due to shortage of funding and—at that time—limited support, we really didn't make much progress. But over time, with support and funding from Tacoma City Council, Phase One of this planned trail was completed in 2009. Through that process, we learned a lot about citizen support and collaboration with our partners. I want to thank the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council— specifically, Mr. Skip Vaughn—for their unwavering support over the years. When we needed a letter of support for a grant, Skip and his team delivered. No questions. They just delivered. It was really instrumental in [grant] funding [for] Phase Two. When it was time to discuss important design elements, the [South CONTINUED Tacoma Neighborhood CounON PAGE 2