Progress continues on Bellevue’s Grand Connection Crossing project, an initiative enhancing city connectivity and the trails in the area. This project spans across Interstate 405, linking downtown Bellevue to many trails across the Eastside region.
The crossing’s design process began with refining earlier studies and analyzing possible crossing locations. Factors like length of the crossing, intersection with multiple public and private parcels, an active interstate freeway and a new light rail system created over 2,000 viable options of the crossing alignment.
The design team narrowed those possibilities down to four alternatives. The alignment selected for further design and engineering runs directly across I-405 on a path just south of the Sound Transit light rail guideway between the Bellevue Downtown and Wilburton light rail stations.
Once complete, the crossing will enable users to walk, bike, and roll safely over Interstate 405, starting at City Hall Plaza and ending at Eastrail. Ultimately, it will connect downtown Bellevue to a 175-mile regional trail network that links more than half a million Eastside community members.
The project has achieved significant milestones. Beginning with a planning workshop in December 2023, City staff, stakeholders, and consultants collaborated to lay foundational plans. Community input, crucial for guiding the project, was gathered through online meetings earlier this year and an open house held in May.
Looking forward, the focus shifts to selecting a preferred design alternative during the summer months. This design will undergo meticulous refinement in subsequent phases. The initial 30% design phase, funded by a total of $6.1 million, includes a significant contribution of $2.5 million from Amazon, alongside City Capital Improvement Program funds.
With the completion of initial planning for the 30% design phase, the Bellevue City Council faces important decisions that will navigate the complexities of design integration with existing infrastructure. They will also need to think about balancing considerations of aesthetics, functionality, cost, and community impact.
Essential to the project’s success is the partnership with HR&A Advisors, known for their expertise in public and private projects such as New York’s High Line and Seattle’s waterfronts. They are important in creating a comprehensive financial plan for advancing the project beyond its planning stages.
Bellevue residents and stakeholders have shown strong support for the Grand Connection Crossing project, advocating for inclusive public spaces that foster community connections and outdoor activities.
Continued community involvement remains very important. An upcoming online open house scheduled for August 2024 aims to provide detailed updates on structural plans and operational strategies. This event serves to keep the community informed and engaged as the project progresses through its next phases.
For more detailed information and ongoing updates on the Grand Connection Crossing project, visit the City of Bellevue’s official website.
