East Marginal Way S upgrades include new bike lanes for safer travel, while keeping freight moving

The new protected bike lane along East Marginal Way S near S Horton St, looking northeast. Photo: SDOT

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At-a-glance:

We’re transforming East Marginal Way S to help you get where you want to go, no matter how you travel.
You’ll experience safer, more comfortable connections when you bike, scoot, walk, and roll in the area on new bike lanes and upgraded sidewalks.
Meanwhile, freight trucks will have better, more reliable connections around the Port of Seattle.
Use the links below to learn more about the project’s exciting features:
This project also includes public art – keep an eye out as it begins to take shape.
To stay informed, sign up for email updates and visit the project web page.

East Marginal Way S is a vital connection for freight and people commuting into Downtown Seattle, particularly people riding bikes to and from West Seattle and other Duwamish Valley communities. This project supports everyone’s travel needs by separating people biking, scooting, walking, and rolling from vehicle traffic with new protected bike lanes, rebuilt sidewalks, curb ramps, and safer street crossings.

This is also an essential route for freight vehicles traveling around the Port of Seattle. The project keeps freight moving and supports economic growth for our region by installing new concrete pavement that will last for years to come. Read on to learn more about the project’s exciting features.

Safer, smoother bike connections

Check out big progress on the new protected bike lane, which is now completely built between S Hanford St and S Spokane St.

Some sections of the new bike lane are open and ready to use. Be on the lookout for signs letting you know where to go, to ensure everyone’s safe travel.

Large freight trucks on a street, with a protected bike lane and sidewalk to the center and right of the image. It is a sunny day. — *Freight trucks travel on the street next to newly constructed protected bike lanes at East Marginal Way S and S Hinds St. Photo: SDOT*

If you bike, you’ll see many new features. New ‘lean rails’ at S Horton St allow you to easily stop and take a break while you wait for the light to change. New warning strips along the bike lane help people with vision disabilities travel safely and provide better predictability for everyone.

A construction worker leans down to work on part of a concrete area where metal railing is next to him. A sign says right lane must turn right. Grass and dirt is to the left side of the image. — *New ‘lean rails’ for people biking on the new protected bike lane. Photo: SDOT*

New sidewalks

You’ll see brand new sidewalks on big stretches of East Marginal Way S. We’ve completed sidewalk installation and repairs on the west side of the street between S Hanford St and S Spokane St. We’re currently working on the sidewalk north of S Hanford St.

A long section of new sidewalk is in the middle of the image. Dirt is on either side, with street lights, cones, and fencing throughout. — *A section of newly rebuilt sidewalk, looking south at S Hinds St. Photo: SDOT*

Signals that respond to real-time conditions

To help people keep moving through intersections, we’ve upgraded signals at S Hanford St and S Horton St. These signals can detect groups of trucks or people biking and give them priority. This means you oftentimes won’t have to wait as long for the light to turn green.

Stronger pavement

The new pavement is thick – really thick. 15 inches, to be exact. Why, you might ask? Great question. This is a major haul route used by heavy freight vehicles, causing frequent wear and tear on the pavement. So, we chose a thicker concrete that will last much longer than typical street pavement. Crews have finished reconstructing the street between S Hanford St and S Spokane St.

Construction workers place new concrete pavement on the street during a construction work day. Cones and other equipment are in the image. Large towers and buildings are in the background. — *Workers install new 15-inch heavy-haul rated concrete along East Marginal Way S in August 2024. Photo: SDOT*

More efficient freight movement

We’ve also rebuilt driveways to and from the Port of Seattle to improve travel safety and support efficient Port operations as trucks enter and exit the street. We’ve also installed new ‘weigh-in-motion’ technology to allow freight trucks to track their weight without stopping at a traditional weigh station.

A large freight vehicle carries two light green containers. The truck heads away from the camera on the street. Large buildings are in the background. — *A large freight truck travels north on the newly repaved E Marginal Way S. Photo: SDOT*

Better drainage and a new water main

We’ve improved stormwater drainage throughout East Marginal Way S. This helps prevent water from pooling on the bike lane, sidewalk, or street. This keeps travel routes clear and supports safer travel.

Thanks to our One Seattle partnership with Seattle Public Utilities, we’ve upgraded an old water main that extends from S Horton St to just south of S Massachusetts St. Completing this water main work now means we don’t have to close the street again in the future.

A construction worker works in a large trench next to a water main outdoors. — *Crews work to install a new underground water main in August 2024. Photo: SDOT*

What’s ahead for construction

North Segment construction is scheduled to last through spring 2026. We’ll continue installing new street pavement and the new protected bike lane. We’ll also work with the railroads to remove old tracks.

Check out more photos on our Flickr page!

Want to see more photos of North Segment construction? Check out our Flickr album! We’ll keep this album updated so you can follow our progress.

Stay informed

Visit our website and sign up for email updates
Have questions? Email us at EastMarginal@seattle.gov or call (206) 257-2263.

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East Marginal Way S upgrades include new bike lanes for safer travel, while keeping freight moving – check out our progress