Plans to break ground on the Missing Link of the Burke-Gilman Trail are inching forward: the Seattle Department of Transportation posted this Notice of Action which will allow construction to begin in early 2019.

The 1.4 mile bike path through downtown Ballard was approved in January, after years of seemingly endless debate. The project will connect the trail between 11th Ave NW and the Ballard Locks, using the south side of the following streets: NW 54th St., NW Market St, Shilshole Ave NW, and NW 45th St.

The project also includes landscaping, new and upgraded traffic signals and signage, roadway paving, new sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. The city estimates that the Missing Link trail will eliminate 209 parking spaces along Shilshole and NW Market St.

There are some design elements that are still underway; the project team will complete the final design with the Design Advisory Committee in the coming months.

The total cost of design and construction of the Missing Link is expected to be approximately $23.5 million. For a full rundown of the project plans from SDOT, click here.