Bellevue Opens New Stretch Of Mountains To Sound Trail

BELLEVUE, WA — A new section of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail opened in the Factoria area this week, marking the first step in completing the "Eastside Gap" in the trail that runs along Interstate 90 from Seattle to Issaquah.

Bellevue finished a stretch between Interstate 405 and 132nd Avenue Southeast, adding nearly a mile-long, 12-foot wide trail. The project includes a new pedestrian-bicycle tunnel under the freeway ramps and a new bridge over Factoria Boulevard.

"This project is the first step in completing the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail through Bellevue," said Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson. "It will make travel safer for anyone who uses it. It's also a major milestone in our effort to create a comprehensive and connected pedestrian-bicycle network in our city, for both commuter and recreational use."

City officials said the improvements will boost safety for all and also allow for more space for vehicles on the exit ramp, cutting down on backups. The $21 million project was made possible through a grant secured in 2011, funding from the city and Puget Sound Regional Council, and help from the state legislature.

Construction is already underway on the next section, which will run between 132nd Avenue Southeast and 142nd Place Southeast. Work to secure a funding source and design for the final stretch that will connect to Issaquah is still in progress, city officials said.

The goal for the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail is to provide a safe avenue to recreation and non-motorized commuting throughout the region.

More information on Bellevue's trail segments is available on the city's website.