The Bellevue Grand Connection: I-405 Crossing – Downtown to Eastrail project is part of the Grand Connection program to improve the pedestrian experience between Meydenbauer Bay Park through downtown Bellevue across Interstate 405 (I-405) to Eastrail.
This project is the next phase of the program helping to establish a pedestrian and bicycle crossing over I-405 directly connecting downtown Bellevue to the Wilburton neighborhood and Eastrail.
The active transportation crossing will also be compatible and integrated with a future lid park over I-405, enabling more opportunities for events, activation and recreation. The future lid park will be addressed in a future phase of the Grand Connection program.
Project area
The project area is located on the south side of Northeast Sixth Street between 110th Avenue Northeast and the Eastrail corridor (118th Avenue Northeast).
Background
Between 2021-2022, Amazon funded early concept work for a possible I-405 Crossing. In 2023, the City of Bellevue accepted a donation of these documents to inform future study work (see background material section for documents donated to the city). Amazon then donated funds to advance additional design work to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections across I-405 as part of the Grand Connection vision. With matching funding from the city’s Capital Investment Program (CIP), the Bellevue Transportation Department will develop a preliminary design up to 30% level.
The city released an RFQ on April 18, 2023 and through a competitive bid process chose WSP USA to lead the project. The primary objective of this contract will be to reach a 30% design milestone. The city is also considering the feasibility of design-build and other alternative contracting arrangements that could help the I-405 Crossing become a reality as quickly as possible.
Get involved
More information on this developing project and on how to get involved will be shared in advance of major milestones. For more information and to sign up for email or text alerts, select “Subscribe” under Alerts.
Funding
Funding for the project comes from an Amazon donation and the city’s Capital Investment Program (CIP). The estimated cost to develop 30% design plans and prepare environmental documentation is $6.1 million.
Project schedule
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Timeline
- December 2024
- 30% Design Complete
- August 2024
- Online open house on EngagingBellevue.com
- April 2024
- In-person open house on design alternatives
- March 2024
- Staff analysis of design alternatives
- February 2024
- Online open house on EngagingBellevue.com
- December 2023
- Design charrette with stakeholder groups
- September 2023
- Start of project
Background material
Please note that assumptions, renderings and designs included in these documents are purely conceptual and meant for discussion purposes only. Further engineering, site planning, environmental analysis and other work will be necessary to determine the viability of these concepts and design a preferred alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the I-405 Crossing be complete?
Currently, the city is focused on reaching a 30% design milestone by the end of 2024. This milestone will help the city understand costs, potential impacts to city- and privately-owned properties and benefits to redevelopment in the Wilburton area. If the city elects to continue construction, next steps include an aggressive capital identification process followed by construction with a goal of opening the I-405 Crossing late in the decade.
Why will it take so long?
The I-405 Crossing project is an extremely complex project involving at least five government agencies, numerous private property owners and an interstate freeway where significant construction will be underway in the coming years. Prior planning efforts were focused on the vision and general concept, the next phase marks the start of engineering work. Additionally, the city anticipates a substantial capital raise will be required through capital planning and collaboration, including identifying possible federal, state, local and private-sector funding to complete the bridge and ensure its compatibility with the future park lid, I-405 Master Plan and development happening on both side of I-405.
Will the city be issuing any other requests for proposals (RFP) related to the Grand Connection?
Yes, we anticipate seeking consultants to assist with work related to Meydenbauer Bay Park Phase II operations and maintenance, capital identification and financing strategy, and planning, among other projects. Many of these become available in 2023. To prepare and be notified when an RFP is issued, please register and upload an SOQ at the city’s contracting portal Public Purchase.