The City of Bellevue delivers clean water, moves wastewater, and maintains a storm and surface water system that reduces flooding. To ensure these services continue reliably, the City needs to replace the Lake Hills Boulevard culvert and repair and/or replace portions of the sewer and water system near Larsen Lake and the Lake Hills Greenbelt. This project is partially funded by the King County Flood Control District.
The Kelsey Creek Culvert at Lake Hills Project is in east Bellevue, near Larsen Lake and the Lake Hills Greenbelt. Lake Hills Boulevard runs through the project area and is used by an average of 10,500 vehicles per day.
Why is this project needed?
There have been several drainage and flooding issues in recent years, including a water main break in the Federal Field parking lot, concerns about the capacity and instability of the Kelsey Creek culverts, and significant maintenance needs for other sewer pipes in the area. To minimize disruption on the surrounding community, improve efficiencies between systems, and keep costs down, the City will address these issues at the same time.
The project goal is to develop a comprehensive solution for the Kelsey Creek culvert, Federal Field parking lot sewer and water pipes, and sewer pipes next to Federal Field.
Project Solution
The project team conducted a thorough environmental analysis in developing the design alternatives for review. The team shared these alternatives during an online open house in December 2021.
The city chose an alternative after considering public input, technical feasibility (how well it will work), constructability (can we build it?), and cost. Alternative B (with additional elements from Alternative C based on public feedback) will:
- Construct a larger culvert to replace the current culvert, west of the current location.
- Restore the water main to the north and above the new culvert.
- Replace the current sewer pipe with a larger and steeper pipe.
- Realign the Lake Hills Greenbelt Trail.
- Slightly raise the level of Lake Hills Boulevard and Federal Field parking lot.
- Realign Kelsey Creek to the west of its current location in the Lake Hills Greenbelt.
Project timeline
The City is currently in the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025.
- Fall 2021 – Collect data and develop alternatives
- Winter 2021 – Online open house for public input
- Spring 2022 – Select preferred alternative
- Spring 2023 – 30% design complete
- Summer 2023 – 60% design complete
- Winter 2024 – 90% design complete
- Summer 2024 – Final Design Complete
- Winter 2025 – Pre-construction public meeting
- Fall 2025/Winter 2026 – Construction begins
Community engagement
The City hosted an online open house in December 2021 to gather input on project alternatives. Thank you to everyone who engaged with the information and provided feedback. Project staff incorporated that feedback into a revised project that balances community desires and project cost.
We will use several channels to share updates about the design process, including this project website, EngagingBellevue.com, community and business briefings, and more.