Grand Connection Crossing – Online Open House

Help build on past community input and a recent design workshop to make the Grand Connection Crossing a great public space and destination for all Bellevue residents, visitors and regional commuters. This online open house is the first of three opportunities to share input that will inform the preliminary design of the Grand Connection Crossing.

About the Grand Connection Crossing

The Grand Connection program is 1.5 miles of interconnected public and pedestrian-focused spaces. It starts at Meydenbauer Bay Park and continues east through downtown Bellevue across I-405 to the Eastrail. It will be a place where people who live, work and play in Bellevue can walk, bike, roll, relax, gather, eat and shop. In addition to creating a great experience for people, the Grand Connection will enhance Bellevue’s livability, economic development and environmental sustainability.

The next element of the Grand Connection is the crossing over I-405—the Grand Connection Crossing, which will link downtown Bellevue to the Eastrail and Wilburton for people traveling without a car.

The Grand Connection Crossing will start at the City Hall Plaza and terminate at the Eastrail, ultimately tying downtown Bellevue into a 175-mile regional trail network that connects more than half a million Eastside residents. The Grand Connection Crossing will support the transformation of the Wilburton study area into Bellevue’s next urban mixed-use community, where improved amenities, greater livability, opportunities for healthy living and economic vitality will serve the needs of a diverse and growing population. This crossing will also be compatible with a future lid park over I-405, which is a long-range vision included in the city’s Grand Connection Framework Plan.

Click image to enlarge When complete, the crossing will enable people of all ages and abilities to safely and conveniently access a network events, jobs and recreational opportunities beyond the downtown core, and will create a vibrant landmark with activated outdoor spaces that celebrate and serve the community.

What’s Happened So Far

Between 2021-2022, Amazon funded development of a concept plan and feasibility study for a possible crossing over I-405. In early December 2023, the city held a workshop to gather initial input from City of Bellevue staff; key partners such as Sound Transit, WSDOT and King County; Friends of Grand Connection and adjacent property owners. Participants were asked a series of questions to get their feedback on what this crossing needs to accomplish. For more details, a summary of the workshop, “Design Workshop Summary” is available using the link on the righthand toolbar.

Initial Design Workshop – Key Themes
	Celebrate, honor and welcome Bellevue’s diversity
	Invite and welcome people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities and encourage them to gather, recreate and linger
	Increase accessibility to nearby retail and commercial areas
	Create opportunities for public art, community events, festivals and performances
	Ensure all users feel safe and comfortable using the crossing
	Plan for future mobility needs (e.g., electric scooters)

The input received at this online open house will be used to inform development of project alternatives, which will be shared at an in-person open house in April/May 2024.