The bike trail runs from Montlake Playfield to the Highway 520 bridge with connections to a wider trail system.
SEATTLE — The Bill Dawson Trail in Seattle, which connects Montlake Playfield to the edge of the Highway 520 bridge, is set to close on May 12 for five years.
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said crews will need the space to access work sites and to move equipment for the ongoing construction project on the highway.
The bike trail was redesigned in 2024 to connect with a shared-use tunnel along Montlake Boulevard, extending to the newly designed bicycle and pedestrian bridge.
Walter and Ellen Santarelli live in the Montlake neighborhood and were excited about the progress.
“It had gone under 520 before but you had to cross Montlake Blvd. right at the interchange, which was not ideal. So they put a tunnel under Montlake Blvd. so it’s beautifully connected,” said Ellen.
“Now we have to wait a while,” Walter added.
The Santarellis said they’re looking forward to the finished project.
Another Montlake resident said the impact of the trail’s closure will be felt beyond the cycling community.
“It’s a heavily used trail. People who commute, people who are going to Husky Stadium on light rail. We get a lot of foot traffic through here and a lot of bike traffic,” said Margaret Stine. “Yes, they will notice it.”
WSDOT encourages cyclists to follow a detour along Montlake Place and Roanoke Street toward the Washington Park Arboretum.
“That’s a bit out of the way,” Stine said. “I’d like to see them make an accommodation.”
Andrew Tran, who recently picked up cycling and discovered Bill Dawson Trail, said he mostly uses the path to get to the 520 bridge from his home in Capitol Hill.
“It’s a little beat up right now and I heard they’re going to close it, which is a bit of a bummer because now I have to go across a different bridge. It’s going to be harder to get to the 520 [bridge]. If they can improve it so it’s a little more smooth, it’ll be a nicer ride for me,” Tran said.
WSDOT said the path will be widened from 8 to 13 feet and will be flattened.
“I guess you have to balance out the long-term perspective. Obviously I’m bummed. Five years with [no] trail, but if people can enjoy it 10 or 20 years down the road and it lasts… better now than later,” said Tran.
The closure is scheduled to being May 12. More information about the project can be found on the Highway 520 project website. WSDOT has also posted a FAQ section.
