Summary

A new 572-foot-long weathered steel bridge will cross the White River, connecting completed segments of the Foothills Trail at the King-Pierce county line. The project will connect residents, business districts, and civic centers to a 22-mile trail that offers scenic views of Mount Rainier.

Story

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Foothills Trail Map

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier were joined by partners to break ground on a new steel trail bridge that will cross the White River, connecting two segments of the Foothills Trail at the King-Pierce county line.

Once completed in 2024, the newly connected trail will offer a 22-mile-long paved, non-motorized path that connects 238,000 residents, schools, business districts, and civic centers. The trail is built along the Carbon River, passing through farmland and forests with scenic views of Mount Rainier.

“Bridging the gap in the scenic Foothills Trail will make it safer, healthier, and easier for people to enjoy the best opportunities available on both sides of the White River," said Executive Constantine. "It’s partnerships like this one that will allow us to strengthen community connections across county lines, and share the things that make this region the best place to live, work, and play."

“The Foothills Trail is important to both of our communities and the addition of the new segment will provide more than just recreation opportunities,” said Executive Dammeier, “This project is a great example of how government and community partners can work together to create something that will provide benefits for residents and the local economies for years to come.”

The $16 million project – which includes design and contingency costs – includes $12.8 million in funding generated by the King County Parks Levy along with contributions from the City of Buckley and Pierce County. Other funding partners include the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition.

Connecting both sides of the trail that is currently separated by the White River will also contribute to the Leafline Trails Coalition, the four-county network connecting King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties with integrated regional trails.

“It’s exciting to see the Foothills Trail project break ground after years of collaborative effort to move it forward,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “This new segment will provide wonderful opportunities for folks to get outside and enjoy the beauty of our region, while also providing a new form of access to local businesses by filling in the missing link between Buckley and Enumclaw.”

The 572-foot-long weathered steel bridge will connect several cities along the King-Pierce county line, including Enumclaw, Buckley, South Prairie, Orting, and Puyallup. It will offer an alternative emergency route for pedestrians and vehicles if the State Route 410 bridge in Buckley is impassible after a catastrophic event.

The King County Strategic Plan prioritizes regional trails in South King County, which has historically been underserved. In addition to stimulating economic development along the scenic trail, bridging the gap of the Foothills Trail will strengthen connections among communities.

Relevant links

• VIDEO: A new trail bridge will cross the White River
• PHOTO GALLERY: Groundbreaking ceremony for Foothills Trail bridge
• VIDEO: Full video of groundbreaking ceremony
• Foothills Trail
• Leafline Trails Coalition

Quotes

Bridging the gap in the scenic Foothills Trail will make it safer, healthier, and easier for people to enjoy the best opportunities available on both sides of the White River. It’s partnerships like this one that will allow us to strengthen community connections across county lines, and share the things that make this region the best place to live, work, and play.

The Foothills Trail is important to both of our communities and the addition of the new segment will provide more than just recreation opportunities. This project is a great example of how government and community partners can work together to create something that will provide benefits for residents and the local economies for years to come.

It’s exciting to see the Foothills Trail project break ground after years of collaborative effort to move it forward. This new segment will provide wonderful opportunities for folks to get outside and enjoy the beauty of our region, while also providing a new form of access to local businesses by filling in the missing link between Buckley and Enumclaw.

For more information, contact:

Eleanor Lee, King County Parks, 206-477-4530