When I was working as a homecare physical therapist, I was always looking for ways to get to my patients’ homes without driving a car. Soon, the Eastside will have many more options for walking and cycling. Right now, work is moving forward on two regional trail connections: the Mountains to Sound Greenway and Eastrail. These safe, protected- trails contribute to our great neighborhoods and robust economy. Every company that hires active individuals is interested in multi-modal opportunities in Bellevue.
On Jan. 7, city, state and federal leaders marked the completion of the latest Mountains to Sound Greenway segment in Bellevue’s Factoria neighborhood. The new pedestrian and bicycle extension, which parallels Interstate 90, makes it safer and more convenient for people to walk, ride and roll through Bellevue’s busy Factoria neighborhood. This segment extends the trail from 132nd Avenue Southeast to 142nd Place Southeast and a previous segment, from I-405 to 132nd Avenue Southeast, was completed in early 2021.
Together, the 1.2-mile city construction project, valued at $27 million, fulfills a significant portion of the trail that runs east-west through Bellevue. Design and construction funding to complete the trail within Bellevue is not yet secured, but once that happens and the entire trail is complete, I’ll be ready for a weekend ride from here to Ellensburg, through the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area. Information on the Bellevue trail construction projects is available at BellevueWA.gov/mts-greenway.
Our second regional trail connection, Eastrail, is a north-south multi-purpose path along a former railroad grade stretching 42 miles from Renton to Snohomish. Several sections, including portions along the seven miles of trail through Bellevue, are already completed. Recent business investments in the project, including $2.5 million from Facebook, Kaiser Permanente and R.E.I., plus a $7.5 million grant from Amazon to develop the trail over the historic Wilburton Trestle, have provided the funding necessary to complete key segments of the trail in Bellevue by 2024.
The stretch of Eastrail through Bellevue will be the most urban part of the trail corridor. It will include a section in the Wilburton area, a commercial district adjacent to Downtown Bellevue, that is slated for future redevelopment. This presents a unique opportunity to integrate Eastrail into the neighborhood and create a sense of place between the trail, public space and access points to private buildings and businesses.
We know that residents want to see amenities, activities, public art and performance space along the trail, as well as trees and vegetation with areas for seating and shade. The city will continue to gather public input and collaborate with business partners and other stakeholders as King County, the trail owner, develops the framework plan.
In 2024, we expect to see these north-south and east-west pedestrian and bike trail networks intersecting in Bellevue. This will allow safe, protected and fun routes to commute, recreate and exercise. I hope you will join me!
