Big changes are coming to Bellevue's landscape, as the historical Wilburton Trestle is set to shift from a disused rail bridge to a hub of pedestrian activity. King County Parks made the announcement last Friday, revealing plans to integrate the century-old wooden structure into Eastrail, a comprehensive trail network set for completion in 2026. According to Bellevue's official news release, the trestle, which towers at 100 feet and crosses over Kelsey Creek and Southeast Eighth Street, was originally built in 1904 by Northern Pacific Railroad before seeing its last train in 2008.
Once completed the reimagined trestle will boast an 18-foot-wide trail that includes three viewing platforms designed to enhance the scenic experience for users with the final segment it connects filling a pivotal gap by tying together Mercer Slough Nature Park, a new bridge over Interstate 405, and the Wilburton neighborhood. Funding for the $37 million transformation comes through a melange of sources: King County Parks levy as voted by taxpayers, contributions from the State of Washington Amazon the City of Bellevue, and Kaiser Permanente. This effort illustrates a joint commitment to reshaping the region's infrastructure for recreational and commuting use, all while preserving historical landmarks.
The broader vision for Eastrail is a sprawling 42-mile trail that will eventually link Bellevue with Renton, Kirkland, Woodinville, Snohomish, and Redmond; at present, 16 miles are already navigable, with four in Bellevue itself. Another cause for celebration comes later this month with the opening of the Northeast Eighth Street Bridge, set to open on June 23 with a midday public event. This crucial piece of infrastructure will serve as a conduit for pedestrian and bike traffic across Belleville, including access to the Wilburton light rail station thanks to its nearly 500-foot span which features artistic touches and a nod to Bellevue's Japanese American community.
