Drivers passing through downtown Bellevue on July 4 will hit road closures starting at 4:30 p.m. and expanding in waves until the fireworks end, with streets not fully reopening until 11:30 p.m.
The City of Bellevue Transportation Department published a phased closure plan for the 34th Annual Bellevue Family 4th, affecting corridors along Bellevue Way, NE 4th Street, NE 8th Street, and several cross streets surrounding Downtown Park.
The event runs from 5 to 10:30 p.m. at Downtown Park, 10201 NE Fourth St., with the fireworks show beginning at 10:05 p.m.
The closure schedule
The restrictions roll out in five stages:
4:30 p.m. The westbound lane of NE 1st Street between 100th Avenue NE and 102nd Avenue NE closes, coinciding with the event's opening.
6:00 p.m. Eastbound NE 4th Street closes at 100th Avenue NE. The southbound 100th Avenue NE left-turn lane to eastbound NE 4th Street also shuts down. NE 4th Street runs directly past the event venue.
9:00 p.m. to midnight NE 1st Street from 100th Avenue NE to 103rd Avenue NE closes, along with northbound 102nd Avenue NE at NE 1st Place.
9:30 p.m. The largest wave hits, roughly 35 minutes before the fireworks. Closures include:
- Westbound lane of NE 2nd Avenue from Bellevue Way to 103rd Avenue NE
- Both eastbound lanes of NE 8th Street at 100th Avenue NE (no right turn for northbound 100th Avenue NE)
- NE 8th Street at 102nd Avenue NE
- Southbound Bellevue Way at NE 8th Street
- NE 4th Street at Bellevue Way NE, with Bellevue Way left-turn lanes blocked in both directions
- Westbound lanes of NE 4th Street west of Bellevue Way
- Bellevue Way NE southbound left-turn lane at NE 2nd Street and at Main Street
10:00 p.m. Westbound NE 6th Street at 105th Avenue NE closes, including no right turn on southbound 105th Avenue NE at NE 6th Street.
11:30 p.m. All temporary traffic control is removed and streets resume normal operation.
Free parking and transit alternatives
Free parking opens after 5 p.m. at four Bellevue Collection properties: Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square North, Lincoln Square South, and Bellevue Place. The city recommends parking at Lincoln Square or using the Bellevue Place garage and exiting via Northeast 10th Street for a faster departure after the fireworks.
ADA parking is available on the first floor of the southwest Bellevue Square parking garage, accessible via NE 8th Street turning south onto 101st Avenue. Permit holders must enter by 9 p.m.
Sound Transit's 2 Line will run extended service until midnight on July 4, according to the city. The Transportation Department encourages attendees to walk, bike, carpool, or take transit to reduce congestion.
What to expect
Bellevue Police officers will direct traffic at key intersections throughout the evening. The city asks drivers to be patient, observe posted signs, and follow officers' directions.
Food vendors open at 3 p.m. Residents can check for updates on the city's traffic advisory page at bellevuewa.gov.
