Phase II of the construction of Ship Canal Trail is wrapping up with a grand opening planned for Saturday, November 19, at 11 a.m. 

This final phase of the Ship Canal Trail completes the connection from the Elliott Bay Trail and the Interbay and Magnolia neighborhoods to bicycle routes at the Fremont Bridge, including the Interurban route on Fremont Avenue North, the Burke-Gilman Trail, and the Dexter Avenue route.

This project is the long-awaited extension of the Ship Canal Trail, which eliminates a critical gap in Seattle's Urban Trails System. Phase II of the project covers about 3/4 of a mile along the south side of the Ship Canal, beginning at 6th Ave W (where Phase 1 ends) and terminating near Fisherman's Terminal where the trail will join the Emerson Street bike path.

The Ship Canal Trail makes it possible to bicycle from Redmond to downtown Seattle almost entirely on dedicated bicycle facilities.

"Completion of this trail makes bike riding in the south canal area more comfortable for all levels of bicyclists and offers increased safety where cyclists and heavy industrial traffic have long shared traveling space," according to SDOT.

Safety improvements include fencing all along the trail and a new railroad crossing signal installed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe along with switchbacks on either side to ensure cyclists slow down before approaching active tracks. 

The Grand Opening will take place on the grassy area south of and below W Emerson Street Bridge where it intersects with 16th Avenue W.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and cyclists and pedestrians will try out this new segment from Emerson Street near Fisherman's Terminal to 11th Avenue West.

If you come by car, you might want to park at and visit Fisherman’s Terminal then head on over. Please note 16th Avenue W at the event location is a private access road and parking is not permitted along it. Click here to see event location map.