Bellevue officials report 30% design milestone for Grand Connection crossing; funding, phasing remain key questions

Bellevue officials on Jan. 8 updated the Parks and Community Services Board on the Grand Connection Crossing — a proposed pedestrian and bicycle bridge linking Eastrail to City Hall Plaza and downtown across Interstate 405. City staff said they have reached a 30% design milestone and are preparing cost, constructability and funding plans to move the project into later design stages.

The Grand Connection program covers roughly a mile-and-a-half route between Eastrail and Maidenbauer Bay, with a signature bridge crossing of I-405 planned to improve nonmotorized access between Wilburton and downtown. Jesse Canedo, Bellevue’s chief cultural and economic development officer, said the project “is about connection of people to places and connection of people to community,” and reminded the board that “for those that aren't familiar, the route's signature color is gold.”

Anthony Gill, the city’s Grand Connection program manager, described the 30% design deliverable as a milestone that produced detailed visuals, a constructability analysis and initial cost estimates. “We have reached a 30% design…