MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Ballard ‘Missing Link’ to remain unresolved

Aug 30, 2012, 12:24 PM | Updated: 1:48 pm

The Seattle Department of Transportation has argued completion of the Missing Link, a non-existent ...

The Seattle Department of Transportation has argued completion of the Missing Link, a non-existent section of the Burke-Gilman Trail would have no significant environmental impact. (97.3 KIRO FM Photo/File)

(97.3 KIRO FM Photo/File)

An unfinished stretch of the Burke-Gilman trail in Ballard known as the “Missing Link” will go unfinished for some time to come.

Local businesses opposed to the trail cutting through their driveways have convinced The City of Seattle Hearing Examiner to submit the proposal for a full Environmental Impact Statement.

“We are disappointed,” said Chuck Ayers, Executive Director of Cascade Bicycle Club. “The Missing Link continues to be a major safety concern, and this setback perpetuates the problems that already exist with the rail road tracks, navigation, and interaction between road users.”

“The City must study these issues and prove it can safely build a recreational trail through the heart of the maritime and industrial industry in Ballard without putting people’s lives at risk,” said Warren Aakervik of Ballard Oil in a press release.

The stretch of Shilshole Ave. between Fred Meyer and the Ballard Locks runs through the heart of Ballard’s industrial neighborhood. The Seattle Department of Transportation has argued completion of the Missing Link would have no significant environmental impact. the Hearing Examiner disagreed, saying the Shilshole Ave. segment would create traffic hazards, according to the Ballard News Tribune.

Business groups want the trail rerouted to avoid conflicts with trucks and other commercial traffic.

MyNorthwest News

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

53 minutes ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

4 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

5 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

6 hours ago

nintendo redmond...

Frank Sumrall

Nintendo to lay off 86 Redmond employees this spring

Nintendo of America is laying off 86 contract workers in Redmond, beginning May 25, due to company reorganization.

7 hours ago

Everett boy missing...

Sam Campbell

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

8 hours ago

Ballard ‘Missing Link’ to remain unresolved