A challenging intersection on the Eastrail in Kirkland has received a major safety upgrade. Yesterday, the City of Kirkland celebrated the opening of a new signalized crossing at the intersection of Eastrail and Slater Ave NE, located just a half mile east of the Totem Lake Connector Bridge. Eastrail Partners joined City staff and elected officials at the celebration ceremony yesterday, where trail users were already enjoying the safer, more direct crossing.

Previously, trail users had to divert about half a block to the busy intersection at NE 124th Street to cross safely. Despite warning signs, many people still attempted to cross the four lanes of traffic directly at the trail connection. In addition to the new signalized crossing, the City completed broader safety improvements along Slater Ave, including traffic calming measures and new bike lanes designed to slow drivers traveling downhill from the north.

“No more dangerous dashing to connect to the regional trail system to Woodinville and Redmond,” wrote Kirkland Mayor Kelli Curtis following the opening.

Combined with the Totem Lake Connector Bridge, which opened in 2023, and the final segment of the Redmond Central Connector, which opened last fall, this section of Eastrail from Kirkland into Redmond is now fully connected. Eastrail Partners looks forward to continued progress toward completing the 42-mile trail network connecting Renton to Snohomish.