Updated: Aug. 11, 2026
The temporary closure of Lake Hills Boulevard between 151st Avenue SE and 154th Avenue SE has been extended through Oct. 1. The extension is due to unexpected construction challenges that developed after construction started. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while detours remain in place for the road, trail, crosswalk, and sidewalk.
- Expect increased construction activity, equipment and travel changes.
- Please slow down, follow posted signs and plan ahead when traveling through the area.
- The Lake to Lake Trail is closed in the construction area, and a detour is in place.
- A detour map, construction updates, and traffic alerts are available below.
繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese / Mandarin) – ZH-HANT:
**出行公告：**如需翻譯服務，請發送電子郵件至 utilities@bellevuewa.gov。
Español (Spanish) – ES:
Aviso para Viajeros: Para solicitar una traducción, envíe un correo electrónico a utilities@bellevuewa.gov.
한국어 (Korean) – KO:
교통 안내: 번역이 필요하시면 utilities@bellevuewa.gov로 이메일을 보내주세요.
Русский (Russian) – RU:
Информация для путешествующих: Чтобы получить перевод, отправьте электронное письмо на адрес utilities@bellevuewa.gov.
日本語 (Japanese) – JA:
**交通・移動のお知らせ：**翻訳をご希望の方は、utilities@bellevuewa.gov までメールでお問い合わせください。
简体中文 (Simplified Chinese) – ZH-HANS:
**出行公告：**如需翻译服务，请发送电子邮件至 utilities@bellevuewa.gov。
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese) – VI:
Thông báo Đi lại: Để được hỗ trợ dịch thuật, vui lòng gửi email đến utilities@bellevuewa.gov.
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 ryork@bellevuewa.gov.
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:
- Construct a larger culvert to replace the current culvert, west of the current location.
- Restore the water main to the north and above the new culvert.
- Replace the current sewer pipe with a larger and steeper pipe.
- Realign the Lake Hills Greenbelt Trail.
- Slightly raise the level of Lake Hills Boulevard and Federal Field parking lot.
- Realign Kelsey Creek to the west of its current location in the Lake Hills Greenbelt.
Project timeline
The City is currently in the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025.
- Fall 2021 – Collect data and develop alternatives
- Winter 2021 – Online open house for public input
- Spring 2022 – Select preferred alternative
- Spring 2023 – 30% design complete
- Summer 2023 – 60% design complete
- Fall 2024 – 90% design complete
- Spring 2025 – Final design complete
- Spring/Summer 2025 – Pre-construction briefing
- Spring 2026 – Construction begins
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.
Lake to Lake Trail Access: There will be a trail detour (see map below) to 151st Ave SE around the construction zone with detour signs in place.
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.