Town Center Phase 3: Centennial Trail Improvements

Description & History

This project will create a continuous shared use path for pedestrians and bicyclists between the Snoqualmie River bridge and Downtown Snoqualmie (SE Northern Street).

South of this third phase of work, two previous phases of downtown improvements focused on development of strategies and improvements to enhance safety and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists and honor the history of Snoqualmie as part of these improvements.

North of the project terminus, the Tokul roundabout just beyond the Snoqualmie River bridge was completed in 2016. The roundabout added a bicycle and pedestrian circulation network and facilities where previously there were none along the State highway.

Project Purpose

• To enhance community and regional connectivity.
• To support revitalization of the local economy of the 100-year-old Historic Snoqualmie district.
• To create a safer more accessible trail system for both pedestrians and bicyclists.
• To replace aging infrastructure to support increased use and improve water quality of surface water run off. 

Project Area Map

Advisory Committee Meetings

Over the past few months, the project advisory committee has met to discuss the beginning design stages of the Town Center Phase 3 Trail. The project advisory committee consists of local business owners, Snoqualmie Tribe members, environmental organizations, and other project stakeholders. The committee has defined the project goals, design considerations, refined amenity preferences, and has set the preferred design direction. They are now asking you, the public, to provide your input on the design moving forward.

Committee Meeting #1: Early Concepts

Important Design Considerations:

• Safety and Security
• Tribal Involvement and Representation
• Trail History
• Natural and Scenic Feel
• Environmentally Conscience
• Project Continuity
• Transit Connectivity
• Low maintenance

Committee Meeting #2: Refined Concepts

• Pedestrian Bridge: Accessible, low maintenance, fits site character, durable, budget friendly, and meets engineering standards.
• Benches: The black benches used on the Town Center Phase 1 & 2 are preferred because they are comfortable, low maintenance, and would maintain continuity.
• Lighting: The style of lighting used on the Town Center Phase 1 & 2 is preferred. Alterations to the luminaire may be necessary depending on lighting regulations and availability.
• Wayfinding: Interchangeable, low maintenance, and difficult to vandalize. One main kiosk with smaller wayfinding signage along the trail. Incorporate interpretive elements where possible.
• Interpretive Signage: Interchangeable, low maintenance, incorporated into fencing/railings, and angled for ease of reading.
• Bike Racks: Existing bike racks are hard to use. The black circular racks are preferred.
• Fencing: Ties into other trail features. Prioritizes pedestrian safety and rail protection.
• Art Installations: Pavement inlay, carvings, and interpretive elements.
• Other Potential Amenities: Drinking fountain with bottle filler and trash receptacles

Committee Meeting #3: Preferred Design

The advisory committee reviewed and discussed design options based on the criteria above. A public open house was also held following this meeting. 

Preferred Design Direction

Over the past few months, the project Advisory Committee met to discuss the beginning design stages of the Town Center Phase 3 Trail. The committee defined the project goals, design considerations, refined amenity preferences, and set the preferred design direction. In addition, on November 16th, a public open house was held to gather input from the community regarding the preferred design direction. With input from both the committee and the public, a preferred design direction has been determined which will be moved into construction drawings over the course of the following months.