FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2014

MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160
Carrie McCausland, Media and Communications, cmccausland@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

Historic Water Ditch Trail Expanding South Tacoma Bicycling & Pedestrian Options 

The City has begun construction on the $2.3 million Phase 2 of the Historic Water Ditch Trail.  

Work will include nearly two miles of trail with a parking trailhead, crossing improvements, bike racks, signs, trash cans, benches and lighting. Two sections are included – one extending northwest from a current section, along future Oak Tree Park, and a second connecting portion alongside Edison Elementary and Gray Middle Schools. The new sections will also connect to the South Transit Sounder Station through improvements planned as part of the South Tacoma Way project. 

“The trail is doing a lot to increase neighborhood safety and people across a wide section of the community are going to be able to enjoy it for health, recreation, and transportation,” said Project Manager Said Seddiki. “Once these pieces start going in you can really see how the vision is lining up to create a valuable community asset. It’s very rewarding.”  

Ultimately, the Water Ditch Trail will extend six-and-a-half miles linking South Tacoma, downtown, the Tacoma Dome area and Thea Foss Waterway. The City reconstructed three miles in 2008 in Phase I. Phase 3 and Phase 4 are currently being designed with Phase 4 anticipated for construction next year. When construction of Phase 3 can begin depends upon future grant funding. 

Few traffic impacts are expected from this summer’s construction on the project.