What's Next for the Grand Connection Crossing?

The Bellevue City Council unanimously supported next steps for the Grand Connection Crossing over I-405, connecting Downtown to Eastrail.

Set for completion by 2030, the bridge is part of the City’s broader Grand Connection program and plays a key role in linking people to local trails, light rail, bus lines and future transit while spurring development of vibrant public spaces. The City of Bellevue will begin advancing engineering and construction plans, fine-tuning the design and establishing a funding strategy in the coming months ahead.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Design Scope and Budget

The initial “Day 1” project budget is expected to cost between $150 to $200 million, ensuring a safe and functional crossing by 2030. This design offers a long-term vision with phased enhancements over time or delivered in coordination with future redevelopment of city-owned and private spaces.

This fully funded design prioritizes essential crossing elements while limiting structural costs. Committed to a “memorable but doable” vision, the team is working with consulting artist Matthew Mazzotta to develop a public art plan and maintain the 18-hour urban district concept.

Key design adjustments include:

• A minimum crossing width of 30 feet, expanding to up to 40 feet over I-405.
• Safety features such as weather protection, emergency access staircases and designated spaces for cyclists and pedestrians to enhance user comfort.

Throughout 2024, the City of Bellevue’s project team developed a 30% design package shaped by input from three open houses and 24+ community meetings. This budget range allows the city to deliver the community’s most desired elements and amenities in that time period.

Funding and Next Steps

Construction and right-of-way cost may require additional funding. To secure full state approval, the team is exploring revenue sources such as: municipal tools like Tax Increment Financing and sales tax, state partnership and individual/corporate philanthropy. Operations and maintenance funding plans are also in development.

Significant progress is expected this year. Anticipated timeline for Council touchpoints -

• Spring 2025: Contracts for general contractor/construction manager (GC/CM) advisor and continuing design work. This approach aims to streamline decision-making and minimize rework.
• Late spring/summer: Conceptual project financial plan
• Fall 2025: Launch final design and engineering

Learn more about the regional stakeholder group championing this work at Friends of the Grand Connection. 

PART OF A BIGGER PLAN: THE GRAND CONNECTION

What is the Grand Connection?

The Grand Connection program is a network of interconnected public and pedestrian-focused spaces stretching from Meydenbauer Bay Park through Downtown Bellevue across I-405 to Eastrail. The program builds on a vision and existing City policy to create an active “non-motorized corridor” brought to life over time with major public and private investments. This initiative aims to enhance Bellevue’s livability, economic development and environmental sustainability while prioritizing access to alternative transportation.

The Grand Connection Crossing is the next phase of the program and will link City Hall Plaza to Eastrail, improving access to the Wilburton neighborhood and creating a safe passage between the two areas.

Audience Development and Programming

The City of Bellevue is launching a Community Programming Fund to support small-to-medium-sized events and activations, offering grants between $2,500 and $10,000 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Activations may include farmers markets, live music and holiday celebrations – the grant plans to launch early April.

Where Can I Learn More? 

The Grand Connection is already alive in pockets throughout the corridor. Completed projects include new signature artwork at the NE corner of Downtown Park, raised intersections along NE 6th Street, and Meydenbauer Bay Park development. This work follows the successful adoption of the Grand Connection Land Use Code in June 2021 which guides private development along the corridor.

The Bellevue Downtown Association also remains committed to activating the Grand Connection with major community events like the Bellevue Family 4th,  Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink and Live at Lunch Concert Series - attracting thousands of visitors, workers and residents every year.

At full potential, the Grand Connection will offer Bellevue residents, visitors, and workers pedestrian-friendly experience supported by vibrant open spaces, activations events, and enhanced access to recreation and transit.

Visit www.bellevuegrandconnection.com for more information about key near-term priorities and projects.

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.