Tacoma's historic Water Flume Line Trail moves closer to completion

April 22, 2015 3:08 pm
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Tacoma's historic Water Flume Line Trail moves closer to completion

The City of Tacoma will mark the completion of the second phase of the historic Water Flume Line Trail during a public ceremony next week.

The trail (formerly known as the Water Ditch Trail) was originally part of a 110-year-old system that crossed Tacoma and extended to Mt. Rainier. The City broke ground on the first phase of the restoration project in 2008, and completed that phase — which included rebuilding a section of the historic trail to modern bikeway standards featuring a 10-foot asphalt path with two feet of crushed rock shoulders — one year later (see “Phase one Historic Water Ditch Trail complete,” Tacoma Daily Index, March 5, 2009). Phases three and four of the overall project between Pine Street and C Street are being designed now and are the final links in the trail to connect South Tacoma with the Tacoma Dome area, downtown Tacoma, and Thea Foss Waterway.

The project is part of the City’s effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along the South Tacoma Way Corridor by restoring the 6.5-mile trail.

The City of Tacoma will mark the completion of the second phase of the historic Water Flume Line Trail during a public ceremony in April. The project is part of the City's effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along the South Tacoma Way Corridor by restoring the 6.5-mile trail. (PHOTO BY TODD MATTHEWS)
The City of Tacoma will mark the completion of the second phase of the historic Water Flume Line Trail during a public ceremony in April. The project is part of the City’s effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along the South Tacoma Way Corridor by restoring the 6.5-mile trail. (PHOTO BY TODD MATTHEWS)

The recently completed second phase, 1.8-mile portion is anchored at both ends by parks and includes construction of ADA accessible curb ramps, traffic signals for safer crossings, reconstruction of hazardous sidewalks, interpretive and wayfinding signs, energy conserving LED lighting, benches, and bike racks. The public celebration to mark the completion of the project’s second phase will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Weds., April 29, at 7411 S. Cedar St. in Tacoma. The event will include a trail dedication, ribbon-cutting ceremony with elected officials and special guests, and bike rides and walks on the newly reconstructed trail.

“This marks a turning point from vision to reality which is reason for much celebration,” said Tacoma City Councilmember Lauren Walker. “The trail is a critical element in the City’s active transportation system.”

“By connecting schools, parks, business districts, and the regional transportation systems to the places people live, this trail will serve Tacoma well,” added Tacoma City Councilmember Joe Lonergan. “It’s exciting to have the completion of this beautiful transportation corridor through South Tacoma.”

More information about the Water Flume Line Trail is available online here (Phase Two) and here (Phase Three and Phase Four).

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To read the Tacoma Daily Index‘s complete and comprehensive coverage of the historic Water Flume Line Trail, click on the following links:

The City of Tacoma will mark the completion of the second phase of the historic Water Flume Line Trail during a public ceremony in April. The project is part of the City's effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along the South Tacoma Way Corridor by restoring the 6.5-mile trail. (PHOTO BY TODD MATTHEWS)

The City of Tacoma will mark the completion of the second phase of the historic Water Flume Line Trail during a public ceremony in April. The project is part of the City’s effort to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along the South Tacoma Way Corridor by restoring the 6.5-mile trail. (PHOTO BY TODD MATTHEWS)

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