The City of Bellevue declared an emergency in 2023 and completed an emergency project in June 2024 to address public safety at the Lakemont Boulevard crossing of Coal Creek. The failing culvert under Lakemont Boulevard put the road at risk of collapsing because it could no longer ensure adequate flood protection and road stability due to erosion and aging infrastructure.
A new bridge was constructed over Coal Creek to secure the stability of Lakemont Boulevard. This permanent solution enhances the structural integrity of Lakemont Boulevard. The south side of the bridge features a pedestrian sidewalk, while the north side offers a mix-use sidewalk for both pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, secant pile walls provide a solid foundation for the bridge and act as a retaining wall for the adjacent hillside. An emergency overflow channel, lined with rock for erosion protection, was also constructed beneath the bridge.
Community Reopening Event
Ribbon Cutting and Community Walk/Bike Across the Bridge
Monday, June 10
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
To celebrate the completion of Phase 1, the City hosted a ribbon cutting and community walk/bike across the newly constructed bridge on Monday, June 10, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. to thank the South Bellevue community and project partners for their time and involvement in completing this critical emergency project for the safety of our traveling community. Bellevue City Council, the Environmental Services Commission, city leadership and project partners spoke about the project and upcoming Phase 2.
Lakemont Boulevard Open for Travel
Lakemont Boulevard re-opened for pedestrian, bike and vehicle travel on June 11, 2024. Minor work will be done in the coming weeks to finalize the project. This work may have single-lane closures during off-peak hours with traffic control measures in place with minimum disruption.
Why was this project needed?
The corrugated metal pipe carrying Coal Creek deteriorated. Additionally, storm events exacerbated embankment settlement around the culvert, creating a road safety hazard from pavement deformation. The new bridge spanning the creek provides 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).
Project Phases
Phase 1: A bridge was constructed over Coal Creek as an emergency project.
Phase 2: Will address channel restoration under the bridge, which has already begun. This phase will follow a typical project timeline, and updates will be posted here as they become available.
Project Timeline
- Design and permitting completed Sept. 2023.
- Construction started Oct. 24, 2023.
- Bridge construction completed June 2024.
Community Outreach
The project team prepared the following presentation to provide a detailed overview of the project, the two-phase solution, and the impact to the community. Also, a PDF of the presentation is available.