Work is again underway on the Burke-Gilman Trail extension from Northwest 60th Street to Golden Gardens, following a three-week pause to finalize permitting requirements.

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was needed from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. The permit is required for construction activities that disturb five or more acres of land to regulate the amount of pollutants discharged into waters. The Burke Gilman project will move 3.6 acres of soil, according to the city.

The $2.1 million project had previously been delayed by two months, from June 1 to the end of July, due to a longer than expected technical review by the Federal Highway Administration.

Crews will be working in and around the 6200 block of Seaview Avenue Northwest for the next few weeks.

Crews are finishing the clearing and grubbing, working on drainage improvements and excavating for the necessary retaining walls. Installation of the concrete block wall is expected to begin after Sept. 10.

Weather permitting, the project is set to wrap up by Spring 2008.

The new segment of the trail will run along the east side of the Ballard Terminal Railroad tracks between Northwest 60th and about Northwest 67th streets. Heading west crossing the tracks and hillside down to Seaview Avenue Northwest, it will continue north to the new portion of the trail crossing at the entrance to Golden Gardens Park.

A pedestrian signal is planned for the intersection of Northwest 60th Street and Seaview Avenue Northwest. Construction also includes improvements to drainage, landscaping and lighting.