Provide input on Lake Hills Connector culvert project

Published December 13 2024

To improve fish passage to the Kelsey Creek watershed, the City of Bellevue will remove the culvert under Lake Hills Connector Boulevard. In the coming weeks, community members will have the chance to weigh in on this project and share their experience with flooding or recreation in this area.

This project is part of Bellevue's Fish Passage Improvement program, which targets protecting and restoring local ecosystems and supporting the health of native fish populations. The culvert blocks fish from reaching upstream habitats critical for spawning and rearing.

The project will benefit both the environment and the community through:

• Improved fish passage: Restoring over five miles of upstream habitat will help resident fish, including salmon, access critical habitat.
• Flood prevention: Improving the flow of water through the culvert will help reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rain, protecting nearby homes and streets.
• Supporting regional goals: The project aligns with broader environmental efforts to restore salmon populations and improve the health of local waterways.

Community members can comment at upcoming Environmental Services Commission meetings, open houses and online. The latest activities and opportunities to engage are at Lake Hills Connector Culvert, where community members can also learn more about the project.

"We value the community's input on this project," Utilities Director Lucy Liu said. "Your feedback is essential in helping the city balance the needs of the environment with the daily lives of residents."

Construction is expected to begin once stream analysis and design are complete in 2027.