King County has closed 2 miles of the East Lake Sammamish Trail so it can pave and landscape it.

The closure, which began May 14, will last about a year. Much of the route parallels East Lake Sammamish Parkway, which has sidewalks.

The upgrades will make the trail accessible to a wider range of users, including bicyclists with narrow tires and inline skates.

The $2.74 million project was paid for through a countywide open space and trails levy, a federal air quality program, and Washington Wildlife and Recreation.

This is the second section of the trail to be paved. The first half in Redmond was completed in 2011. Once it’s fully developed, the trail will be a part of a 44-mile regional urban trail corridor connecting Ballard to Issaquah.

King County first purchased the 11 mile trail in 1998, and the interim gravel trail was completed in 2006.

Issaquah Reporter staff writer Celeste Gracey can be reached at 425-391-0363, ext. 5052.