NE 36th Street Bridge to Open December 15

NE 36th Street Bridge to Open December 15

Redmond, WA – The NE 36th Street Bridge will open for traffic after the grand opening ceremony to be held on Wednesday, December 15 on the south side of the bridge (NE 31st Street) beginning at 12 noon. The public is invited to join local, state, federal and business representatives in the opening celebrations.

The bridge is constructed over State Route 520 and will better connect the Overlake Neighborhood, including the Microsoft Campus. It will also help alleviate the projected population and employment growth in the Overlake area, which without the new bridge, was expected to overwhelm the existing 40th Street connection over SR 520.

The City of Redmond began construction on the bridge in spring 2009, partially made possible with funds from the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The project was a partnership between the City of Redmond and Microsoft Corporation and includes one through-lane in each direction, bike lanes, sidewalks, intersection improvements and direct connections to the SR 520 Trail. It also accommodates the future Sound Transit Link Light Rail alignment.

“The Overlake area is a dedicated regional center and our vision is for it to become a vibrant urban neighborhood with more amenities and activities to draw people to live, work and visit,” stated Redmond Mayor John Marchione. “This bridge improves circulation of people and goods by linking the east and west sides of the Overlake employment center across SR 520.”

Some construction will continue in the area after the opening causing temporary congestion. The entire project should be complete by late winter 2011.

Press Release
City of Redmond