The City of Bellevue has officially begun construction on a new multipurpose pathway along the south side of Main Street, a project designed to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety near the upcoming East Main light rail station.
Stretching from 108th Avenue to 112th Avenue SE, the upgraded pathway is part of a broader effort by the city’s Transportation Department to improve access to the Surrey Downs neighborhood and the light rail station. The project stems from community input gathered during the East Main Station Area planning process.
Key Features of the Project:
The improvements include a newly constructed 12-foot-wide path for shared pedestrian and bicycle use. Between 108th Avenue and 110th Place SE, the path will be separated from the street by a landscaped buffer, aiming to improve both safety and the experience of those using the route.
Additional elements of the project include:
- Upgrades to existing curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
- Two new marked crosswalks and a pedestrian refuge island at Main Street and 110th Avenue SE.
- New traffic signals at the same intersection, designed to better manage vehicle and pedestrian movements and reduce potential conflicts.
- The traffic signal improvements will allow full access in all directions at 110th Avenue and Main Street.
- The city also plans to close a nearby private driveway to reduce interactions between vehicles and users of the new pathway.
Residents in the Surrey Downs and Bellecrest neighborhoods have expressed concerns about increased cut-through traffic. In response, the city has committed to monitoring traffic patterns.
A study conducted in fall 2024 will be followed by another after the project’s completion to evaluate any changes in traffic flow. Adjustments to signal timing at 110th Avenue may also be made to balance neighborhood access with traffic control.
Construction is slated to reach completion by the end of 2025. However, officials note that timelines may shift based on construction conditions.
The estimated $2.7 million cost is being funded through a combination of sources, including a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant via the Puget Sound Regional Council, Bellevue’s Transportation Department Capital Improvement Program, and the Neighborhood Safety, Connectivity and Congestion Levy.
