Phase Two of Yelm’s Prairie Line Trail Set to Create Access Across Nisqually River

From the Nisqually Valley News:

The Yelm Prairie Line Trail may receive additional funding to renovate the Nisqually Trestle into a walking and bicycling path that spans across the Nisqually River.

The push for the initial phase two portion of the project came to a halt in 2020 after the City of Yelm applied for a recreation and trail grant from the state of Washington. The funding for the grant ran out, so the trail was extended to the Nisqually River, but not across it.

Now with support from the PARC Foundation of Thurston County, the City of Yelm is applying for funds for phase 2B. Phase 2B will complete the initial plans of phase 2, which will see a renovation of the Nisqually Trestle for trail use.

“It will look like the bridge you see today,” Larry Leveen, a volunteer for the PARC Foundation of Thurston County, said. “The only difference is that the tracks and ties will be pulled up and the surface redecked. Additional safety railings will be put up too.”

Leveen said the trail will be open to pedestrians and bicyclists. Work is being done to obtain proper measurements to ensure equestrians and their horses can also safely use the trail.

Aside from the railings made for trail-walkers and bikers, railings will be added at a higher level to keep riders safe from falling into the Nisqually River.

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For more information about the Yelm Prairie Line Trail project, go online to www.forevergreentrails.org and click on the projects tab, before selecting the Yelm Prairie Line Trail tab.