The city hearing examiner has ruled in favor of the city, clearing the way for plans to build the 1.4-mile Missing Link of the Burke-Gilman Trail. (Read the .pdf ruling here).

The ruling said the Seattle Department of Transportation’s analysis of the environmental impacts of the project “satisfies the rule of reason” and is affirmed.

“Today’s decision affirms decades of hard work, dedication and compromise from an incredible variety of community members. Now more than ever we have a clear path forward to realize a 50-year vision of a completed Burke-Gilman Trail,” said Richard Smith, executive director of Cascade Bicycle Club, in a statement.

The Ballard Coalition, a group of industrial businesses along the Missing Link that challenged SDOT’s environment analysis, says the battle isn’t over yet.

“In light of today’s decision, the Coalition will exercise and pursue all of its options, political and legal, including continuing to work with the new mayor and her administration to find a compromise solution that works for all of Seattle, not just a handful of cyclists,” said Josh Brower, an attorney representing the Ballard Coalition in a statement.

The Coalition has proposed another route to close the Missing Link which would steer people to Market St., away from trucking routes.

“At last! We can move forward to complete the missing link of the Burke-Gilman Trail,” said Councilmember Mike O’Brien on Twitter. “I look forward to @MayorJenny and @seattledot taking quick action to complete the Burke-Gilman, providing a safer and sound alignment for pedestrians, bicyclists, cars and trucks.”

Thoughts on the ruling? We’ll keep you updated on what happens next…