Published June 26 2013
Those driving to the nationally recognized Symetra Bellevue Family 4th festivities on Thursday should anticipate several traffic changes intended to help attendees get home safely and minimize delays.
The annual July 4 event at the Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 Northeast Fourth St., runs 2 to 10:30 p.m. Family attractions will include a variety of inflatables, a Mini Mountain climbing wall and plenty of free entertainment at the Bellevue Parks Family Fun Zone, including jugglers, stilt walkers, mascot characters, balloon artists, face painting, free interactive games and the Bellevue Fire Department Honor Guard.
The fireworks display begins at 10:05 p.m. and will be accompanied by a live performance of the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Before the fireworks, at approximately 9:45 p.m., some streets near Downtown Park will be closed to vehicle traffic: Northeast Fourth Street, from 100th Avenue to Bellevue Way; and 100th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast First to Northeast Fifth streets. After the fireworks, the following road restrictions will be put in place to help clear traffic leaving downtown:
- Right turns will be prohibited from 100th Avenue Northeast to Northeast Eighth Street; drivers may turn right on Northeast 10th Street.
- Right turns will be prohibited from eastbound Northeast 10th Street to all side streets between 100th Avenue and Interstate 405. Access to I-405 from 10th will be via 116th Avenue Northeast and south to Northeast Eighth Street.
- Left turns will be prohibited from southbound Bellevue Way to eastbound Northeast Fourth Street. Drivers headed to I-90 or I-405 may continue south on Bellevue Way.
- Various other lane closures and turn restrictions, as needed, to move traffic quickly out of the downtown core.
- When traffic volume decreases, roads will reopen and turn restrictions will be lifted.
Complimentary event parking is offered after 6 p.m. at The Bellevue Collection (Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place). Limited parking is also available at the visitors lot at City Hall (450 110th Ave. NE). Visitors are also encouraged to walk, bike, carpool or take a bus to the event. Comprehensive information about travel options is available at Choose Your Way Bellevue.
The Symetra Bellevue Family 4th is co-produced by the Bellevue Downtown Association and the City of Bellevue.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the park after 2 p.m. for this event. In addition, barbecues, camp stoves, grills and other cooking devices are prohibited; and canopies, tents or other types of shelters are prohibited after 8 p.m.
In addition to the Symmetra Bellevue Family 4th event, the Bellevue Downtown Association is producing the inaugural Acura of Bellevue Four on the 4th Dog Jog & Walk the morning of July 4 to benefit the Seattle Humane Society. Dogs and their humans will be taking a 4k (~2.5 mile) stroll from Ashwood Park through the streets of north Downtown and beyond beginning at 9 a.m., with festivities awaiting them upon their return to the park.
The Bellevue Downtown Association has more details about both events.