PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Kelsey Creek Culvert at Lake Hills Project is in east Bellevue, near Larsen Lake and the Lake Hills Greenbelt. Lake Hills Boulevard runs through the project area, and its annual weekday traffic is more than 10,500 vehicles.

There have been a number of drainage and flooding issues in recent years, including a water main break in the Federal Field parking lot, concerns about the capacity and instability of the Kelsey Creek culverts and significant maintenance needs for other sewer pipes in the area. To minimize disruption on the surrounding community, improve efficiencies between systems and keep costs down, the City will address all of these issues at the same time.

The project goal is to develop a comprehensive solution for the Kelsey Creek culvert, Federal Field parking lot sewer and water pipes, and sewer pipes next to Federal Field.

The project team conducted a thorough environmental review in developing the design alternatives for review. The alternative chosen will:

• extend the lifespan of the pipes and improve reliability
• reduce operations and maintenance needs
• improve fish passage in Kelsey Creek

This project is in the alternative analysis phase, which is when the team develops several options to solve the problem and ultimately selects one alternative that meets the project technical needs, is within budget and minimizes impacts on the community. Design will begin after the alternative has been selected, which is anticipated for early 2022. Construction is anticipated for 2024.