The City of Bellevue’s Capital Improvement Program includes projects to ensure safe, reliable water is delivered to our customers. As part of this program, the city must rehabilitate the Somerset 2 pump station and replace aging water mains along Somerset Boulevard Southeast.
Why is this project needed?
The city has identified several concerns regarding the operations and layout of the Somerset 2 pump station. Based on research and analysis, the city found the best option is to rehabilitate and improve the pump station and replace aging water mains to enhance system performance and improve fire protection capacity.
Where is the project located?
The Somerset 2 pump station is at Somerset Boulevard between 13701 and 13709 Somerset Blvd. SE. Work will also be done to replace aging pipelines at Somerset Boulevard between Southeast 44th Street to 139th Avenue Southeast.
What will the improvements include?
The city has identified several key improvements necessary for the project. At the pump station, these include upgrading all mechanical and electrical equipment in the pump room to provide safer, better access for city staff. To support these upgrades, the facility footprint will be expanded, a new stairwell will be constructed, and the roof height will be raised to accommodate the new pumps, ventilation, and electrical equipment.
Additional improvements include the installation of a roadside pullout for City vehicles when performing maintenance at the pump station, overflow piping improvements, landscape restoration, a security fence around openings in the reservoir, and above-grade electrical equipment.
In the roadway, the improvements include replacing various sections of aging asbestos cement and ductile iron water main with new ductile iron pipe. Water service lines to each water meter will also be replaced and water meters may be relocated slightly.
Community Engagement
The city will share more project information and engage with residents when the work starts. Communication with residents and businesses will include a variety of materials, such as work notification postcards, project updates, and flyers for upcoming construction activities. These will be distributed at key project milestones to keep the community informed about any potential impacts.
Later in the year, the city will host a virtual open house to discuss the next steps for the Somerset 2 pump station. To ensure broad awareness, details about the open house will be shared through a mailed notice to the community and posted on the project website here.
We want to understand and support the needs of the community to the extent possible, and we are committed to working through construction with residents to minimize impacts.
Project Schedule
Please refer to the schedule below for a snapshot of the project timeline and what to expect over the next few years. The city will provide further communication about the project status and anticipated impacts at later stages.
- Preliminary Design: June 2024 to April 2025
- Final Design and Permitting: May 2025 to TBD
- Construction: Schedule pending design and permitting completion
Potential Impacts
Although construction is not yet scheduled, there are several impacts the community can expect once work is underway.
During this time, residents can anticipate the presence of construction equipment, increased truck traffic, and associated noise in the area. Some tree removal will be necessary as part of the site preparation at 13709 Somerset Blvd SE. Some trimming of shrubs that extend over the pavement may also be required along Somerset Blvd SE.
The project will involve installing a water main and storm drain pipes within the street, and flaggers and traffic control measures will be in place to maintain safety. In some cases, crews may need access to private property to conduct assessments or perform construction activities. Pipeline work will impact driveway access for approximately one day per driveway. Any such access will be coordinated in advance with property owners.