At a July 30 meeting, the Bellevue City Council received an update on the Grand Connection project, highlighting next steps for a planned pedestrian and bicycle bridge that would cross Interstate 405 and link Downtown Bellevue with the Wilburton neighborhood.
City staff shared that Bellevue plans to request state approval to use a construction approach called general contractor/construction management (GC/CM) for the bridge. This delivery method brings construction expertise into the design process early, helping to keep the project on track and within budget.
To gain approval, the city must also demonstrate it has the financial capacity to complete the project. A range of possible funding options were presented, though officials clarified these are not final or binding.
The Grand Connection Crossing is one part of the broader Grand Connection program—Bellevue’s long-term plan to create a pedestrian-friendly path running from Meydenbauer Bay, through downtown, and across I-405 to connect with the Eastrail trail.
To better manage the project, the city launched the Office of the Grand Connection on July 16. This new office brings together staff from multiple departments to focus specifically on the planning, design, and delivery of the Grand Connection corridor. Nathan Torgelson, who has over 30 years of experience in city planning and infrastructure, was appointed to lead the office as its director. He began in the role on June 30.
The pedestrian bridge, also called the Grand Connection Crossing, is currently at 30% design, with the preferred concept unveiled in late 2023. A visualization shows the bridge beginning near City Hall Plaza and stretching east over I-405 to the Eastrail. The city has hired infrastructure firm HNTB to assist with preparing materials for state review.
The Grand Connection program has been in development since 2014 and has already led to completed projects like raised intersections near the Bellevue Transit Center, expanded access to Meydenbauer Bay Park, and art installations including Piloti in Downtown Park.
As planning continues, the city says it will focus on community engagement, funding strategies, and design completion to move the Grand Connection Crossing closer to construction.
Hopefully it will be better than NYC highline.
I like the concept of this project and the plan in place. The office of the Grand Connection established to better focus on the planning, design, and delivery is a great idea. I can’t wait to see the project completed!