The Eastrail’s NE 8th Street bridge near Wilburton Station in Bellevue is scheduled to open at noon June 23 (Sunday). As we noted when the station first opened this spring, the bridge is a key link to an area that “seems destined to play a special role in connecting biking and transit on Eastside.”
Once open, the trail will extend just a few blocks further south where it will await completion of the iconic Wilburton Trestle rehab project, which broke ground recently. The trestle is anticipated to open in 2026 along with a new I-405 crossing, bringing the trail within reach of Mercer Slough and the I-90 Trail.
Eastrail Partners is hosting a bike ride to the bridge opening that leaves Salt and Straw in Totem Lake at 10:30 a.m. and will stop at Kirkland’s Chainline Station at 11:10 if you want to join partway.
More details on the opening celebration from King County Parks:
On Sunday, June 23, we’ll be holding an opening ceremony for the NE 8th trail bridge in Bellevue, connecting Eastrail to the recently-opened Wilburton light rail station.
Event details:
- Sunday, June 23, noon (light rail ride at 11:30 a.m.)
- North side of the bridge: 47°37’07.5″N 122°11’02.0″W
- Short remarks by elected officials and community partners
- Photo op of cyclists going over bridge for first time
- Unveiling of art installation that recognizes the Japanese American farming legacy of that area
Comments
2 responses to “NE 8th Street Eastrail bridge opening June 23”
Does anyone know what the timeline is for the I-90 crossing? Just looked on the eastrail website and I don’t see any mention of a timeline for that portion of the trail. I think about how awesome it will be to bike right over the freeway every time I drive under the existing rail bridge.
No timeline for crossing I -90 as the project still needs additional funding. The County applied for a Federal grant. a little more info on the website: https://eastrail.org/closing-the-eastrail-gap/