The Bellevue City Council got things right on light rail Monday night when it approved plans for the train’s path into downtown. The decision won’t please everyone, given the complexity and costs involved, but the plan solves a number of issues.

Enatai residents got what they wanted and needed when the council voted to put the trains in a trench along Bellevue Way Southeast. That should cut the noise level and hide the ugliness of train tracks.

The council also approved elevating a section of the road on 112th over the tracks so trains can shift from the east side of the street to the west without impacting traffic.

A noise wall also is planned along this part of the route to help protect the Surrey Downs neighborhood.

The downtown light rail station will be elevated, rather than underground. The latter would be better, but would cost millions more. The council was right to eke out savings where it could. However, Sound Transit must do its part and design the elevated station to keep passengers dry while they wait for the train. If they haven’t noticed, we get a lot of wet and windy days around here.

The Sound Transit board was expected to make its proposal Thursday night, which was after the Reporter’s deadline. We trust it, too, will sign off on the deal to get the project moving towards its now 2023 completion.

– Craig Groshart, Bellevue Reporter