In a significant milestone for the City of Bellevue, the construction of the state-of-the-art Pikes Peak Reservoir in Bridle Trails State Park has reached its completion. The new reservoir, built with earthquake resilience in mind, is set to serve the water needs of Bellevue residents for generations to come.
Replacing the aging steel facility, which had a capacity of one million gallons, the new concrete reservoir boasts an increased capacity of 1.25 million gallons. This upgrade was deemed essential not only for providing water to all of Bellevue but also to ensure adequate fire protection for the residents of the Bridle Trails, Pikes Peak, and Cherry Crest neighborhoods.
Owned, operated, and maintained by Bellevue Utilities through a lease agreement with Washington State Parks, the Pikes Peak Reservoir has been a vital resource for the community for over five decades. Recognizing the urgency of modernization, the City of Bellevue embarked on the ambitious project in 2021, following extensive consultations with area residents.
To minimize disruption to the community and the surrounding natural environment, Bellevue Utilities collaborated closely with CONSOR Engineering and Harbor Pacific Contractors throughout the planning, design, and construction phases. This partnership ensured that the project proceeded smoothly while addressing the concerns and needs of the local community.
The completion of the new reservoir was celebrated on June 14th with a modest ceremony organized by Bellevue Utilities. While the construction site had limited access and parking, the event was made accessible to the public through a live stream on Bellevue Television.
Notably, the construction of the new reservoir presented an opportunity for Bellevue Utilities to reevaluate the location of the pump station that had previously shared the site with the old reservoir. As part of the project, the pump station service was relocated to a new facility in Cherry Crest, ensuring improved efficiency and functionality.
With the completion of the Pikes Peak Reservoir, Bellevue has taken a significant step towards securing its water supply and enhancing the safety of its residents. The earthquake-resilient design of the new facility offers peace of mind for both everyday water usage and emergency situations.
