Bellevue Direct Access - NE 8th Street Undercrossing

The Bellevue Direct Access NE 8th Street Undercrossing project replaced the existing NE 8th Street bridge with a new, eight-lane, 300-foot-long bridge. This development was strategically designed to alleviate traffic congestion for the benefit of downtown Bellevue's residents, businesses, and commuters. The construction of the new steel-plate girder bridge posed logistical challenges that could have disrupted east-west traffic flow over the freeway. However, the team's strategy involved constructing the new three-lane eastbound bridge and approach roadways in a temporary location south of the existing bridge. Once construction was complete, the new structure was rolled into its permanent location within the footprint of the old bridge.

The intricate construction sequencing unfolded as follows: firstly, the new three-lane bridge was constructed, and eastbound traffic was redirected onto it. Concurrently, westbound traffic was shifted into the eastbound lanes on the existing bridge. Subsequently, the north half of the existing bridge was demolished, making way for the construction of the new five-lane north half of the bridge. Once completed, westbound traffic was shifted onto the new north half bridge, and the south half of the existing bridge was dismantled.

A pivotal moment involved a 54-hour closure of NE 8th Street and a 12-hour closure of I-405, during which the new three-lane eastbound bridge was rolled to the north to join with the new westbound section. This culminated with the completion of the new approach roadways. The project adhered to its schedule while maintaining the east-west thoroughfare at near-normal capacity throughout construction.