The Grand Connection Crossing project in Bellevue has reached a significant milestone. An online open house will be held from October 16 to October 31, allowing the public to learn about the preferred design for a multi-use crossing over Interstate 405.
This crossing is designed for pedestrians and cyclists and is part of the larger Grand Connection program, which aims to create 1.5 miles of interconnected public spaces stretching from Meydenbauer Bay Park through Downtown Bellevue to the Eastrail.
The crossing will start at City Hall Plaza and end at the Eastrail, connecting downtown Bellevue to a 175-mile regional trail network serving over half a million residents in the Eastside area. This project aims to provide safe and convenient access for people of all ages and abilities, enhancing opportunities for recreation and community engagement.
The design process has incorporated community feedback collected from workshops and open houses held earlier this year. The project team analyzed over 2,000 potential crossing locations and narrowed them down to four alternatives. The selected alignment runs south of the Sound Transit light rail guideway between the Bellevue Downtown and Wilburton light rail stations.
As the project progresses into the 30% design phase, the Bellevue City Council will consider key design decisions, balancing aesthetics, functionality, cost, and community impact. The initial design phase is funded by $6.1 million, including a significant donation of $2.5 million from Amazon.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the upcoming open house to explore conceptual images, learn more about the design process, and see how their input has shaped the project thus far. The information gathered during this phase will influence future developments.
