Bellevue taking traffic below ground

Crossing Northeast Eighth Street in Bellevue on foot or by car can be a challenge, but workers are nearing completion of an underground tunnel that should ease the journey.

Workers broke through on a final wall Tuesday, connecting two parking areas beneath Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square.

The privately funded tunnel, which cost $4.5.million, is unusual because it combines both pedestrians and cars, city officials have said.

When the tunnel opens to the public in November, it will connect Lincoln Square, on the south side of the street, with Bellevue Place, on the north side. The tunnel will connect level P3 at Bellevue Place with level P3 at Lincoln Square.

The Bellevue City Council OK'd the tunnel last year, and work started in January.

The tunnel, about 45 feet below street level, is two traffic lanes, or 36 feet, wide and includes a pedestrian walkway. It measures 17 ½ feet high and 96 feet long.

Kemper Development and city officials calculated how many vehicles would use the tunnel and figured it would come to about 800 vehicles daily, including shoppers, workers and hotel guests. It will result in 234,733 vehicle trips being taken off the street each year, according to their figuring.

The tunnel is expected to provide customers with more parking options, especially during busy seasons.

Peyton Whitely: 206-464-2259 or pwhitely@seattletimes.com