Olympic National Park will release its Environmental Assessment for the ODT phase 2 project (along the Spruce Railroad Trail on the north shore of Lake Crescent) in 3 weeks, on or about Sept 15. The Park will schedule a public information meeting the week of Sept. 19.
The Park's Preferred Alternative is to reopen both Spruce RR tunnels and construct a trail 10 feet wide, with 6 ft paved and 4 ft gravel, surfaces. The trail will not be completely ADA-compliant because of a section of steep grade just west of the Lyre River bridge climbing up to the roadbed, above private property occupying the railroad grade itself.
There will be a 30-day public comment period. It'll be important for everyone interested in seeing the trail improved for stock and bike use to weigh in. Last year's scoping meetings found a degree of sentiment for a "No Action" alternative to leave the current Spruce RR Trail, including the rough, narrow paths around the tunnels, as is.
**Let us stay informed and get to that public information meeting. Possible carpool set up, email if interested.
