Friday, February 26, 2010

Bridging the Gap Phase II Nears Completion!

If good things come to those who wait, then this is going to be really good, because we've surely been waiting a long time!

In this case, we've been waiting for Phase II of the Bridging the Gap Project, to join the northern and southern sections of the Chehalis-Western Rail Trail (CWT). The CWT is the major north-south trail in Thurston County. It's been pieced together and developed over a number of years, and, when complete, it will connect the northern and southern portions of the trail so that anyone in an urbanized area in Thurston County can bike to Puget Sound on a trail system.

The image, courtesy of Thurston Regional Planning Council www.trpc.org, shows an artist conception of the finished bridge over Martin Way (from the north side, looking south). Word has it that we are just a couple weeks away from being able to use this bridge and a couple more after that from having an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Stay tuned for that, and spread the word.

Following completion of this phase, we'll have just one more phase left -- a bridge over Pacific Avenue. My sources tell me that they are optimistic that we'll have adequate funds to accomplish that once the current project is closed out. They just have to go through the seat cushions for all the loose change.

For more project info on Bridging the Gap, see: http://tinyurl.com/2aqjpm

And hey, the real truth is, good things don't come to those who wait. They only come to those who get active and involved. The best way to make a difference locally is to either:
  1. Apply to be on the City of Olympia Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: http://tinyurl.com/ykex8ao
  2. Contact the Capital Bicycling Club's Advocacy Director and find out how to get involved with existing efforts or to initiate change on your own local bike issue.

Posted via email from OlyBikes