South Bellevue neighbors push for light rail tunnel

A citizens group is out with a new plan to run light rail trains into downtown Bellevue through a deep bore tunnel, a strategy the group claims will actually save money.

It’s an idea already rejected by Sound Transit and the city, which is finalizing plans for a route north of I-90 that follows Bellevue Way and 112th Avenue.

Building a Better Bellevue says an almost two-mile long tunnel along the same corridor could save money through fewer property acquisitions and by eliminating a station, among other things.

The group, consisting mainly of residents of Surrey Down, Enatai and other neighbors in South Bellevue also claims improved technology makes tunneling a less expensive option than when Sound Transit first considered the idea.

Sound Transit and city leaders are skeptical as they try to cut tens of millions of dollars from the cost of the estimated $2.8 billion Seattle-to-Redmond light rail project.