The City of Bellevue declared an emergency in January to address safety hazards caused by a failed culvert where Lakemont Boulevard crosses Coal Creek.
As part of the emergency, the City has commenced an emergency project where a bridge will be built to secure the stability of Lakemont Boulevard at the location of the culvert. The culvert conveying Coal Creek under Lakemont Boulevard and the roadway embankment surrounding it can no longer ensure adequate flood protection or road stability due to erosion and aging infrastructure; therefore, the road is at risk of collapsing or flooding.
Why is this project needed?
The corrugated metal pipe carrying Coal Creek is deteriorating. Additionally, storm events have exacerbated embankment settlement around the culvert, creating a road safety hazard from pavement deformation. A new bridge spanning the creek will provide greater structural stability to the roadway by placing its foundation outside of the influence of the culvert. A future phase of this project will restore the natural channel and improve fish passage and habitat in Coal Creek through the proposed bridge per guidance and requirements from Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) and Office of Surface Mines (OSM).
Project Timeline
- Design and permitting are expected to be completed by Aug. 2023.
- Construction duration is expected Aug. 2023 – March 2024.
*Note: Schedule is preliminary and subject to change
Potential Impacts
Traffic: During construction, traffic on Lakemont Boulevard SE and Newcastle Golf Club Road will be closed entirely while major construction activities are occurring. Traffic may be reduced from two lanes to one lane of alternating traffic during non-major construction periods. This traffic restriction will be in place 24 hours a day throughout the construction period (Aug. 2023 – March 2024). Flaggers will be onsite to minimize traffic delays.
Trail Access: There may be delays entering and exiting the Red Town Trailhead during peak construction activity. Access may also be restricted for short periods to allow for the safe delivery of equipment and material. Access to the Coal Creek Trail from Lakemont Boulevard may also be limited during construction.
Services: Garbage, mail, and emergency vehicle access will not be impacted.
The project team and the construction inspector will contact residents during construction to communicate potential impacts. Residents are also encouraged to contact the construction inspector with any concerns about the project.
