City of Bellevue, Amazon Commit 5 Million to Grand Connection Bridge Design

The City of Bellevue and Amazon have committed $5 million to the Grand Connection Bridge project, aimed at enhancing pedestrian access within the city. The bridge will connect Bellevue City Hall Plaza to Eastrail and is part of a broader vision to establish a 1.5-mile pedestrian corridor that promotes non-motorized transport. Jesse Canedo, Bellevue's chief economic development officer, emphasized the project's importance for increasing accessibility and supporting urban redevelopment. Amazon's investment aligns with its previous contributions to local infrastructure, including a $7.5 million donation for portions of Eastrail. Pearl Leung, head of community affairs at Amazon, highlighted the bridge's significance in "healing the divide" created by I-405. The Bellevue Downtown Association is actively involved in advancing the project's vision and programming. City staff aim to expedite the design process, with a goal to complete 30% of the design by 2024. This project is expected to yield substantial community benefits by improving connectivity between Wilburton and Downtown Bellevue.