The trail is back on track and the train is off the track for now!  A new agreement has been reached between King County and BNSF railroad.  The rail line will be purchased for 103 million dollars.  The trail will run from the south end of the line in Renton up to Woodinville.  When this trail is joined to existing trails, such as the Burke-Gilman Trail and The Sammamish River Trail, the Seattle/Eastside will have the largest trail system available in the country.  Future use of the area for a railroad along side the trail will not be completely ruled out at this time.

This is wonderful news for The Highlands home owners, since our neighborhood abuts the existing rail line.  A trail right outside “our door” would be a boon to the quality of life and increase the livability for all in the the neighborhood.  I should contact the people at walkscore to see if they can add walking trails to their list of important amenities constituting a good walkscore for a house or a neighborhood. In an earlier post, I commented on the current walkability of The Highlands, which is one of the attractive features for living in downtown Kirkland or The Highlands.

The sticking point in the earlier three way proposal for switching the railroad to trails, Boeing Field, has been taken out of the deal.  The Port of Seattle had no interest in acquiring the field.  With the airport out of the equation, the county and the railroad are able to make a deal. 

 The Seattle Times and The Seattle PI have both come out with  articles on the latest venture between King county and the BNSF railroad.

 On another note, another farewell to The Spirit of Washington Dinner Train. The train had been a wonderful neighborhood treat to see every day.  Last week it was announced the train was having some difficulties on its latest home tracks down by Tacoma. The train is abandoning operations and laying off 50 people. I wish the owners of the train, the Temple brothers and the employees all the best in the future.  I hope the owners and the county are able to strike a deal for a future dinner train from Woodinville to Snohomish.