Bellevue is making strides to up its game in urban design, and it seems the effort is paying off – the city's Transportation Department just snagged a national accolade for making downtown streets safer and more navigable. Bellevue was honored with a 2024 Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) for its raised intersections project near the Bellevue Transit Center, which notably smoothens the path for pedestrians and those on wheels, according to a recent city announcement.
Not just a hit locally, where it grabbed a similar honor from the APWA Washington Chapter, the endeavor stood out in the transportation projects less than $5 million category for its cooperative efforts between public agencies, contractors, and consultants, and for excellence in construction and design the project which is set to improve experience for users of Sound Transit’s Link 2 line, raised the street to sidewalk level at intersections along Northeast Sixth Street, 108th, and 110th avenues, Traffic conditions aren't just an inconvenience but a potential danger, and this overhaul is meant to tighten safety and accessibility, especially for individuals with mobility challenges.
It's no small thing when infrastructure gets an upgrade that doesn't just shuffle concrete but reshapes how a community moves – Bellevue's elevated crossroads are making waves, quite literally, as they are recognized for their innovative approach. "We’re honored to be recognized by APWA for this project and the hard work of our talented staff and contractor," said Andrew Singelakis, Bellevue’s Transportation Director, underscoring the award's reflection of the city's dedication to innovation and inclusivity, toward creating seamless connections for those traversing downtown on foot, "It reflects our commitment to innovation and inclusivity, providing safe and seamless connections for people walking downtown," Singelakis stated in the announcement.
Aside from leveling the playing field for pedestrians, the project doubles down on vision, literally and figuratively making walkers more visible to drivers, thereby enforcing safer speeds on the road – a move that's expected to not just elevate mobility, but potentially spare lives and the intersections which were completed towards the end of 2023 also play into the city's larger pedestrian-friendly vision referred to as the Grand Connection, this isn't just about crosswalks but about constructing a thoroughfare through the heart of Bellevue designed with pedestrians top of mind. Bellevue's raised intersections are therefore not just creating change on the ground – they're mapping out a trajectory for how towns can take bolder steps toward safety and inclusivity.
