In the interest of enhancing momentum on trail projects around the region, last week the Metro Council re-allocated regional flexible funds to a trail study focused on the Highway 43 corridor between Lake Oswego and Portland. With a transit study also ongoing in this corridor, there are likely opportunities to leverage investment between the transit and trail projects, making the most of what we have to enhance public structures and benefit neighborhoods. Both projects will provide additional choices for getting around in a congested corridor.
Funds were originally dedicated to evaluating the feasibility of a trail between Lake Oswego and Milwaukie, but that project stalled in negotiations with the freight railroads that use the existing bridge between the two cities. Pedestrian and bicycle advocates have not given up on the idea of a trail connection across the Willamette River, and discussions continue about bicycle and pedestrian access, freight use and the potential for high speed rail across the river.