• Published February 27 2024

    People walk and bike across a Grand Connection crossing in a visualization, which does not represent what the crossing may look like.

    City begins designing landmark crossing over I-405

    The City of Bellevue is beginning to design the Grand Connection Crossing over Interstate 405, which will make it easier for people to walk, bike and roll from downtown Bellevue to the Eastrail and Wilburton neighborhood. The city invites all who live, work and play in Bellevue to learn more and take a survey by March 18 at EngagingBellevue.com/i405-crossing.

    The crossing over I-405 is the next step in the development of the city’s ambitious Grand Connection program, 1.5 miles of interconnected public spaces for people to walk, roll, play, relax, gather, eat and shop. It starts at Meydenbauer Bay Park and continues through downtown Bellevue across I-405 to the Eastrail, which is being developed as an uninterrupted, 42-mile multi-use trail from Renton to Snohomish.

    “The city wants to build a crossing where people of all ages and abilities can safely and conveniently access events, jobs and recreational opportunities beyond the downtown core, and create a vibrant landmark with activated outdoor spaces that celebrate and serve the community” Transportation Director Andrew Singelakis noted.

    The crossing will be compatible with a future lid park over I-405 and help transform the soon-to-be redeveloped Wilburton area into a vibrant neighborhood. The crossing will be a functional route and a destination in its own right.

    The city will complete early design work this year to better understand costs and potential impacts to the surrounding environment. The city is also coordinating with nearby property owners and working to secure funding for construction. The city hopes to open the crossing by the end of 2028.

    The city seeks input from all community members, regardless of language spoken, age or ability, and invites residents, visitors and commuters to share their design ideas for the crossing via the survey.

    The survey is available in Chinese (simplified and traditional), English, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.

    You can find additional information about the Grand Connection Crossing and subscribe for project updates at BellevueWA.gov/i405-crossing.