The long-awaited extension to Bear Creek Parkway will open ahead of schedule in early August after one year of construction.

The public is invited to the official ribbon-cutting on Thursday, July 30 at 10 a.m. at the new Plaza on the parkway, where the future extension of 161st Avenue Northeast will be constructed during the second phase of the project.

This new Bear Creek Parkway extension creates a smooth connection between Leary Way and Redmond Way. The next phase will extend 161st Avenue Northeast northward from Bear Creek Parkway to Redmond Way, completing the next portion of the downtown street grid system.

“Completing the new Bear Creek Parkway extension was critical to help develop downtown into a destination for work, recreation and living,” Redmond Mayor John Marchione said. “The project also provides connectivity for pedestrians, trail users and bicyclists and allows for better transit connections and improved access to the open space in the downtown area.”

To drive to the opening celebration from either Redmond Way or Cleveland Street, take Leary Way south past the railroad tracks. Turn right onto the new Bear Creek Parkway (a flagger will direct traffic) and then turn right into the driveway of a gravel parking lot. The Plaza is a short walk west from the lot.

This project was funded by business tax revenue and through the City’s Capital Improvement Program.

For more information about Bear Creek Parkway, contact Lisa Singer, Project Manager, at lsinger@redmond.gov or 425-556-2726.