Tag Archives: Bellevue Washington

520 Closure

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520 Bride will be closed from Friday February 24th at 11pm through Monday February 27th at 5am.  When crews close 520 they close both directions of the SR 520 floating bridge and highway and all ramps between Montlake Boulevard and I-405.  Crews will also close the Bellevue Way Northeast overpass from 11 p.m. Friday night through 5 p.m. Saturday while crews set girders.  When crews close the highway, SR 520 remains open between Montlake Boulevard and I-5. In Bellevue, the 108th Avenue Northeast on-ramp to eastbound SR 520 remains open and in Seattle, the Montlake Boulevard ramps from eastbound SR 520 and to westbound SR 520 remain open.  All ramps and the mainline are required to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday following weekend closures.  Please use alternative routes or delay your trip to Seattle or Eastside if possible.

Bellevue Botanical Gardens – Winter Wonderland

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The Pond

From Now until December 31st go view the Bellevue Botanical Gardens where over a half million lights are used to transform the Bellevue Botanical Gardens into a truely magical place.  Hundreds of volunteers from all over the area have been busy making new creations for this year.  New this year is the theme “Snap d’ Dragon” who will join over 30 “critters” inlcuding Charlotte in her web and Willie the slug.  My favorite is the gorgeous pond and border display on the main lawn (picture above).  Over 150,000 people enjoy the amazing Bellevue Botanical Gardens in the month of December.

Hours are from 5:00pm – 10:00 and 9:30 is the lastest they will allow you to enter. 
Cost is $5 per person and children under the age of 10 are free and do not need a ticket. 
Please click here to buy your ticket in advance to assure entry.
This truely is magical place and it will really get you in the Holiday Spirit

Bellevue Snowflake Lane

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The annual Bellevue Snowflake Lane has arrived again.  Come out and join the fun at 7pm every night of the week in Downtown Bellevue. There is LIVE Toy Soldiers and winter characters, Music, magical snow fall and an amazing light show to brighten your night.  Bring your family and friends and grab a cup of cocoa and come join the fun, you wont be disappointed.  On the sidewalks of Bellevue Way and NE 8th, located at the Bellevue Collection.

New Start Date for 520 Bridge Tolling

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The Department of Transportation has set a new December start date for the 520 Bridge tolling.  It was initially announced that tolling would begin in the spring of this year, but the project was delayed due to technical problems.  Each week the project is delayed costs $1 million in potential toll revenue.  A vote on the November ballot, Initiative 1125, will put the plan into action. For more information, please see the full Seattle Times article.

520 Bridge Tolling Delayed Once Again

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The tolling of the 520 Bridge continues to be delayed, and the DOT revealed today that tolling won’t begin until the summer.  The systemized tolling, controlled by the “Good to Go” transponders, was supposed to begin in April.  A 520 traveler’s “Good to Go” account would allow them to travel on the bridge and have the tolls taken out of a pre-paid amount.  Transponders are activated by license plate numbers so that you can travel hassle free.  However, DOT continues to find glitches in the system and thus, operations are delayed further.  Please refer to this Seattle Times article for more information on the 520 Bridge tolling.

14th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

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This Saturday, May 28th, is the 14th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Day for Eastside law enforcement agencies. The event will be held at the Marketplace at Factoria Mall in Bellevue in the center concourse. The event is held to show appreciation for our Eastside law enforcement recognizing officers from Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond. Come support the local officers and stop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Bring the family and your kids will enjoy free ID cards from MY ID Club.

Kemper Development Wants Bellevue “Helistop”.

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In 1988, Kemper Development built a helicopter landing pad on top of the Bank of American Building in Downtown Bellevue and they may finally get to use it. This week, the Bellevue City Council voted to approve regular use of the pad as long as it adheres to city noise guidelines, according to a Seattle Times article. All flights will have to follow specific routes and helicopters can only fly Mon-Fri, and Sat. The Federal Aviation Administration has no qualms, and the city will give a final decision next week.

Possible Tolling on 405

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Now that the 520 tolling is set to begin in April, Washington lawmakers are thinking about tolling 405 too, but just the carpool lanes of 405 running from Bellevue to Lynwood like those that are on Highway 167.  The expected start date, if a proposal is accepted, would be in 2014.  The first phase location would be near Kirkland.  After the highway is expanded, the 2 carpool lanes on 405 will be converted to HOT lanes (High Occupancy or Tolling) lanes.  The tolling will make up for “flat gas tax”.  The tolls on 405 are expected to be slightly higher than those on other highways like 167, averaging about $ .74/mile.   The tolling would be electronic using the same “Good to Go” system planned for 520. Although the tolling may seem ridiculous to some, the state expects to see much less traffic congestion as a result.  Decreased driving time is a plus in my book.

I-405 Closure in Early April

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April 1st through 4th, sections o 1-405 between N.E. 8th St. and 520 will be closed.  Crews will be working to take down the NE 12th Street Bridge, which will be replaced.  The weekend closure is the largest construction closure of the season.  The closures will begin the 1st at 11 p.m. until the 4th at 4 a.m.   See full closure details by visiting the WDOT website.