A sign points cyclists toward Downtown Seattle from a new protected bike lane along East Marginal Way S. Photo: SDOT Blog stats: 1,200 words | 6-minute read
At-a-glance:
- Major construction on the East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project North Segment is now complete!
- This Saturday, we’re celebrating the milestone and the many upgrades that have taken shape since construction began in spring 2024.
- This project benefits everyone, whether you’re biking or scooting in the new protected bike lanes, walking or rolling on expanded sidewalks, or driving.
- The project has made it safer, more comfortable, and more convenient to get around the area, delivering a complete street designed for all travelers.
- It’s also a major investment in a truck street that helps serve the port. The new street features thicker, longer-lasting concrete pavement and intelligent transportation systems that keep goods and trucks moving.
- The project is funded by the voter-approved 2015 Seattle Transportation Levy. Thank you, Seattle!
East Marginal Way S is one of Seattle’s most vital transportation corridors, serving as a foundation for a resilient freight network that moves thousands of trucks a day to and from Seattle’s maritime cargo terminals. This area is also a crucial link for people walking, biking, and rolling between the West Seattle Bridge Trail, the SODO neighborhood, Downtown, and beyond. Nearly 700 people bike or roll through this area daily.
The project is the result of a close collaboration by many stakeholders who helped shape the project’s final design. Together, we made both trucks and bikes a top priority, while overcoming obstacles along the way. We appreciate the efforts of freight and maritime leaders, the bike community, local advocates, regional and federal agencies, and our funding partners. For all the project details, visit our website.
Key project improvements
- Heavy haul street paving: 15-inch-thick concrete street designed for heavier freight loads, reduced maintenance, and longer lifespan.
- New two-way protected bike lane: Separated from people driving by wide planting strips, curbs, and concrete barriers with railings, plus new bike signals, upgraded crossings, and lean rails.
- Sidewalk upgrades: Rebuilt west-side sidewalk with ADA-compliant curb ramps and crossings, linking the West Seattle Bridge Trail to downtown.
- Railroad crossing upgrades: Improvements at S Hanford St for people walking or biking in this industrial area.
- Traffic signal upgrades: Freight- and bike-priority signals at S Atlantic St, S Hanford St, and S Horton St, plus a new dynamic message sign at S Alaska St for real-time conditions.
- Tree and habitat improvements: The project planted hundreds of new trees, providing shade, cleaner air, and environmental benefits in the SODO area, where trees are in short supply.
- Utility upgrades: Watermain replacement and stormwater improvements in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities to reduce flooding risks.
Project Map
Thanks to Our Funding Partners!
The North Segment improvements were possible from a variety of funding sources and partnerships, including:
- 2015 Seattle Transportation Levy (thank you, Seattle!)
- Federal Highway Administration
- Port of Seattle
- Federal ‘RAISE’ grant
- Washington State Transportation Improvement Board
- Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board
- Seattle Public Utilities
- Seattle City Light
Stay Informed
- Visit our website and sign up for email updates
- Have questions? Email us at EastMarginal@seattle.gov or call (206) 257-2263.
What People are Saying
“East Marginal Way is one of our city’s most critical corridors, and this project is a landmark achievement in our approach to urban infrastructure. For too long, freight and bicycle communities have had to compete for the same space; here, we’ve created a corridor where both can travel safely and efficiently. Through our strong partnership with the Port of Seattle, we are proving that a world-class city can and must support both a bustling economy and safe, sustainable transportation options for its people. This is a One Seattle investment, building a stronger, more connected future to keep people and goods moving safely for generations to come.” – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell
“This project invests in safer crossings, smarter signals, stronger concrete streets, new protected bike lanes and sidewalks, and so much more. We’re thrilled to complete major construction on East Marginal Way promoting safety and supporting our local and regional economy. Together we’re building the streets of the future, today.” – SDOT Interim Director Adiam Emery
“We are proudly marking yet another milestone in the Port of Seattle’s on-the-ground commitment to safe, swift, and efficient movement of people and goods on our working waterfront. These improvements help ensure safer travel for bicyclists and pedestrians along this key commute corridor while easing terminal access, dampening noise, and improving roadway longevity along a critical heavy haul route. We appreciate the partnership with our Congressional delegation, the state, city, and others to keep this region’s goods and services – and people – moving.” – Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa
“The new protected bike lanes on East Marginal Way have transformed one of Seattle’s most challenging corridors into a safer, more welcoming route for everyone. Where people on bikes once rode shoulder-to-shoulder with heavy freight traffic, they now have a protected space that allows bikes and trucks to move safely side by side. This project represents years of advocacy and partnership – led by groups like West Seattle Bike Connections – and stands as both a milestone in creating a more connected transportation network and a reminder of why we must continue working for safer streets citywide.” – Lee Lambert, Executive Director, Cascade Bicycle Club
“We are so excited to see this project completed and open! Rebuilding East Marginal Way has been our #1 priority since we formed West Seattle Bike Connections in 2012. The project is a catalyst that will increase the number of people biking instead of driving from West Seattle and South Park to downtown and beyond. Separation of bike and truck traffic will make it safe and predictable for all. Members of the bike and freight communities and the port worked together to support a road design that will keep cyclists safe and goods moving. We recognized our shared interests in safety, efficiency, and resilience for our roadways and seaport. We worked to understand and accommodate each other’s needs, to convince elected officials, and to obtain funding. All this allowed SDOT to arrive at a great design.” – Don Brubeck, for West Seattle Bike Connections
“The completion of the North Segment of the East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project is a key milestone for the SODO business community. This revitalized corridor enhances safety, bolsters freight mobility and efficiency, and strengthens multimodal connections throughout the district. The SODO Business Improvement Area is proud to have been an early advocate for this project and celebrates the City’s continued investment in infrastructure that supports our businesses, workers, and future.” – Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO BIA