February 5, 2021

National finalist: Gold award — Transportation
HDR

Photo courtesy King County DNRP/Parks

Northeast Spring Boulevard is a half-mile, five-lane roadway with five new intersections and two bridges.

Project: Northeast Spring Boulevard
Client: City of Bellevue

Long used for light industry, the BelRed subarea of Bellevue is transforming into a state-of-the-art, mixed-use and transit-oriented neighborhood. The Spring District is a vibrant, new $2.3 billion neighborhood made up of walkable streets, open spaces and independent shops. Centrally located, transit-oriented and buzzing with activity, the completed development area will support approximately 2,000 residents and 13,000 office workers. The multiple transit options provided by Northeast Spring Boulevard connect the Spring District to downtown Bellevue, making it a transit-oriented development.

The gateway into BelRed, and backbone for area redevelopment, is Northeast Spring Boulevard. This new half-mile, five-lane roadway includes five intersections, two bridges crossing the Eastrail regional trail, and East Link light rail. There are also a multipurpose pathway, cycle tracks, parking and drop off zones, bioretention stormwater treatment, and a unique urban corridor.

The HDR team overcame significant hurdles to deliver this project, including remediating a former industrial area, weathering a global pandemic, concurrent projects, and the area’s seismic demands. Public involvement was a key component throughout planning, design and construction. It began with in-person forums and continued via social media and remote feedback through the pandemic. A large variety of stakeholders — from residents, businesses and public agencies to the Cascade Bicycle Club — were involved.

The final design focuses on “complete streets” — a transportation policy and design approach that requires streets to be planned, designed, operated and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities, regardless of their mode of transportation. The new Northeast Spring Boulevard bisects the BelRed area and improves mobility for people who walk, bike, drive or take transit while unlocking development potential in the area.

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