Lake Hills Boulevard between 151st Avenue SE and 154th Avenue SE has reopened to traffic as of Oct. 1. Construction will continue in the area through the remainder of the project, scheduled to be completed February 2027.
Drivers should expect delays during working hours due to daily lane closures and alternating one-way traffic. Please allow extra time when traveling through the area and follow posted signs and flaggers.
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The project team is available to meet with you or come to your next community event. The project team will share the latest project information and discuss impacts to the community. To schedule, contact Project Manager Bob York at [email protected].
The City of Bellevue delivers clean water, moves wastewater and maintains a storm and surface water system that reduces flooding. To ensure these services continue reliably, the city is replacing the Lake Hills Boulevard culvert and repairing and/or replacing portions of the sewer and water system near Larsen Lake and the Lake Hills Greenbelt. This project is partially funded by the King County Flood Control District.
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 is used by an average of 10,500 vehicles per day.
Why is this project needed?
There have been several 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 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.
Project Solution
The project team conducted a thorough environmental analysis in developing the design alternatives for review. The team shared these alternatives during an online open house in December 2021.
The city chose an alternative after considering public input, technical feasibility (how well it will work), constructability (can we build it?), and cost. Alternative B (with additional elements from Alternative C based on public feedback) will:
Project timeline
The City is currently in the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025.
Construction Impacts and Schedule
Starting late April: Expect partial lane closures with flaggers.
Starting June 15: Expect a multi-month full road closure on Lake Hill Blvd between 151st Ave SE and 154th Ave SE until Oct. 1 with detour routes (see detour map below). Please plan for travel delays and follow city traffic advisories at BellevueWA.gov/traffic-advisories.
Starting Oct.1: Lake Hills Boulevard between 151st Avenue SE and 154th Avenue SE will reopen for travel. While the road will reopen, construction will continue in the area through the remainder of the project. Drivers should expect delays during working hours due to daily lane closures and alternating one-way traffic. Please allow extra time when traveling through the area and follow posted signs and flaggers.
Lake to Lake Trail Access: There is a trail detour (see map below) to 151st Ave SE around the construction zone with detour signs in place. The trail is expected to open in early December when Puget Sound Energy completes installation of a gas line.
Trees
It was necessary to remove 23 trees to construct the culvert to address the flooding issue in the area. When the project is completed, 24 Native Flame American Hornbeam trees will be planted in addition to six Western Red Cedars. Overall, full restoration after the project is completed will have nearly 7,000 plants and trees installed throughout the construction area.
Community engagement
The City hosted an online open house in 2021 to gather input on project alternatives. Thank you to everyone who engaged with the information and provided feedback. Project staff incorporated that feedback into a revised project that balances community desires and project cost.