Lincoln Tunnel [Bellevue, WA]

Lincoln Tunnel – Bellevue, WA

Design-Build of the Lincoln Tunnel for Kemper Development Company

The addition of a new tunnel in Bellevue, Washington gives business professionals, shoppers, hotel guests, and condo residents another option to reach their destinations, which in turn should alleviate traffic congestion at one of the busiest intersections in the state.

Tunnel Design

SubTerra, Inc. was contracted as the tunnel engineer for this design-build project, and provided support throughout all phases of the project including preliminary design, contract specifications, steel rib set selection, equipment selection, final design, construction methodology, progress reporting, and sub-contractor review during tunneling operations.

25 ft. Underground

Under NE 8th Street & Bellevue Way

96 ft. Long

Tunnel Length

35 ft. Wide

Tunnel Width

225,000 Car Trips

Eliminated Annually from the streets of Bellevue

Tunnel Specifications

The contract to build the 96-foot long, 35-foot wide tunnel was awarded to Northwest Boring of Woodinville, WA. The tunnel was constructed 25 feet under NE 8th Street at its intersection with Bellevue Way connecting the garages of Bellevue Place with Lincoln Square. More than 10,000 parking spaces can now be shared between the two buildings who’s occupants include Bank of America, Microsoft, Eddie Bauer, Hyatt and Westin Hotels, restaurants, retail shops, a health club, and high-rise condominiums.

Tunnel Construction

The tunnel advanced through the native Vashon Till, a very stiff, clayey soil mixed with sand and gravel. Steel rib sets were erected every four feet atop cast in place concrete footings and a steel fiber reinforced shotcrete shell was applied at a minimum of 8 inches thick.

The project was completed accident free, with no measurable ground subsidence, and ahead of schedule. The owner’s studies show that the use of the tunnel will eliminate more than 225,000 annual car trips from the streets of Bellevue.