- PSE Evaluates ‘Bypass’ Route Options for Energize Eastside

New Routes Designed to Limit Risk to Project, Keep It on Track

Puget Sound Energy has announced two new route options in Bellevue for the Energize Eastside project. The proposed routes were developed to bypass the boundaries of the East Bellevue Community Council (EBCC) to avoid risking a potential project delay. PSE submitted the routes as part of the public comment period for Phase 2 Scoping of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. This submittal ensures these two new route options, along with PSE’s preferred route, will be studied in the EIS.

The EBCC is a local community council empowered by state law with the authority to approve and disapprove certain land-use actions in East Bellevue, including the Energize Eastside project. 

Both routes use a combination of the existing corridor and new corridors to avoid the boundaries of the EBCC. The bypass routes wind through the Spring District, Bel-Red Corridor, Wilburton neighborhood, and along Lake Hills Connector before rejoining the existing corridor. View the route maps.

PSE prefers to use the existing transmission line corridor. Our preferred route, called Willow 2, reflects this value. However, it’s our responsibility to keep the lights on and we must measure and reduce potential permitting risks to the project in an effort to keep Energize Eastside on schedule. We look forward to working with EBCC and other coordinating cities so we can continue to keep the lights on for all Eastside communities.