Quichi Gorge bridge work to keep trail open; residents press for parking and restroom solutions

The Senate Transportation committee discussed construction and access near Quichi Gorge as part of the state highway bridge briefing. Jim Loy, structures program manager, told the committee that the project will maintain access to the rail trail during construction by relocating the trail route rather than fully closing it.

"You will still always be able to do it. There'll never be a point of time where you're stopped from continuing," Loy said, explaining that the trail will be relocated while work proceeds and that the agency aims to minimize disruptions during high‑season tourism.

Committee members and constituents raised concerns that construction staging and equipment have reduced parking capacity near the gorge during peak months, forcing larger vehicles to use nonstandard spaces. They also asked whether more permanent restroom facilities could be installed when the project completes. Loy said heavy equipment should be removed by fall cleanup and that restroom facility decisions involve land‑ownership questions and the Bureau of General Services (BGS), which maintains some nearby visitor facilities.

Agency responses and next steps: staff said contractors can be asked to limit staging in high‑parking areas where feasible, and that the department will share plans and schedules to clarify when staging will be removed. For questions about permanent facilities, the department said it would coordinate with the appropriate property managers and BGS.

The committee also noted the project's pedestrian improvements: sidewalks were widened by approximately three feet on both sides, increasing usable width to about six feet and meeting ADA requirements, according to the presentation. Committee members thanked staff for the design work and asked for continued outreach to affected businesses and visitors as construction continues.