Remodeling East Marginal Way: Safer Journey and Jobs – 4 Months Early

Strengthening Seattle’s freight community and increasing secure bike connections in SODO with Levy to Move Seattle and federal funding 

SEATTLE – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell joined the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), venture advocates, and funding companions to get an early have a look at the near-complete security and journey upgrades alongside E Marginal Way S between S Spokane St and S Atlantic St. These enhancements, funded partly by the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle, are a part of the North Segment of the East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project and the primary to be delivered. Construction started in March 2024 and is on monitor for completion as quickly as September, almost 4 months forward of schedule. The venture is on funds and as soon as it concludes any doable value financial savings will likely be recognized at the moment. 

“East Marginal Way is one of Seattle’s most critical corridors, linking our port, our businesses, and our neighborhoods – and this project is a landmark achievement in how we approach 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,” mentioned Mayor Bruce Harrell. “We are proving that a world-class city can and must support both a bustling economy and safe, sustainable transportation options for its people – in fact, the two are linked. This is a One Seattle investment, building a stronger, more connected future to keep people and goods moving safely for generations to come.” 

East Marginal Way S is one among Seattle’s most significant transportation corridors, serving as a foundational element of a resilient freight community that strikes 1000’s of vehicles a day to and from Seattle’s maritime cargo terminals. It performs a essential position in our area’s financial system as a chosen Heavy Haul Route, a key last-mile connector for freight, and a connector for outsized cargo transferring to and from the Northwest Seaport Alliance services (Port of Seattle’s joint working partnership with the Port of Tacoma). It’s additionally an important hyperlink for individuals strolling, biking, and rolling between the West Seattle Bridge Trail, the SODO neighborhood, Downtown, and past. Nearly 700 individuals bike or roll by means of this space every day. 

This milestone is the results of a decade of planning, partnership, and advocacy. Since 2015, this venture has moved ahead due to the collaboration of freight and maritime leaders, the bike neighborhood, neighborhood advocates, native and federal businesses, and the help of our funding companions. The North Segment funds was $72M and funding comes from the Levy to Move Seattle ($14M), the Federal Highway Administration ($6.9M), the Port of Seattle ($5.6M), RAISE ($20M), the Transportation Improvement Board ($3M), and the Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board ($6.1M), Seattle Public Utilities ($15.4M), Seattle City Light ($900K). 

“The opening of a new and improved East Marginal Way will restore a vital link in the chain that connects our economy with the rest of the world,” mentioned Sen. Maria Cantwell. “The RAISE grant East Marginal Way received is part of $130 million in federal freight investments near the Seattle waterfront to support our trade economy and the 70,000 local jobs that depend on world-class freight infrastructure. Improvements made to East Marginal Way will save trucks hundreds of hours each day and make this corridor safer for the people who bike and walk there.” 

The upgrades help secure and environment friendly journey for freight and other people and strengthen the long-term financial resilience of the town’s maritime and industrial sectors. When the hall absolutely opens this fall, freight vehicles accessing the Port of Seattle, employees for close by maritime and industrial companies, individuals strolling, biking and rolling, and neighbors will profit from a safer, extra environment friendly journey alongside the brand new E Marginal Way S.  

“East Marginal Way is more than a freight corridor—it’s a connection point for people, goods, and communities across Seattle and in the region,” mentioned Seattle Department of Transportation Interim Director Adiam Emery. “By investing in safer crossings, smarter signals, and concrete streets with a protected bike lane, we’re meeting demand, supporting the economy, and upgrading a critical link in our bike network. We are building the streets of the future, today.” 

Key Project Improvements:  

• Heavy Haul avenue paving: 15-inch thick concrete avenue designed for heavier freight hundreds, decreased upkeep, and longer lifespan.

• New two-way protected bike lane: Separated from individuals driving by extensive planting strips, curbs, and concrete obstacles with railings, plus new bike indicators, 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 each trains and other people strolling or biking.

• Traffic sign upgrades: Freight- and bike-priority indicators at S Hanford St and S Horton St, plus a brand new dynamic message signal at S Alaska St for real-time situations.

• Tree and habitat enhancements: 261 new avenue timber and a local pollinator combine to boost the SODO streetscape and help native ecology.

• Utility upgrades: Watermain substitute and stormwater enhancements in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities to scale back flooding dangers.

Over the following month, crews will full set up of the fencing between the bike lane and rail tracks north of S Hanford St, stripe the road and bike lane, and full minor actions earlier than opening the road and bike lane to the general public. In 2026, new public artwork will likely be added to the fencing: On the Fence by artist Will Schlough is a panel-based set up that mixes playful illustrated scenes with reflections on our connection to the panorama and business alongside the hall. 

The North Segment is the primary section of labor on the East Marginal Way Corridor, with future alternatives to increase enhancements alongside the hall as funding is recognized. The Central Segment is at present at 90% design and the South Segment accomplished preliminary design.  

A closing neighborhood celebration will happen later this 12 months throughout Hot Bike Summer, marking the complete reopening of the hall. View the project website to study extra and the project Flickr page for extra photographs of East Marginal Way Corridor Project building. 

What persons are saying 

Toshiko Hasegawa, Commissioner, Port of Seattle 

“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, NWSA and others to keep this region’s goods and services – and people – moving.” 

Ashley Probart, Executive Director, Transportation Improvement Board 

“East Marginal Way has always been the freight heartbeat of Seattle. This legacy project will now allow freight and non-motorized transportation to safely coexist on the same corridor.” 

Brandy DeLange, Executive Director, Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board 

“As a state agency established by the Legislature to identify and support investments that enhance freight movement on strategic corridors, the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board is proud to serve as a funding partner for the East Marginal Way Heavy Haul Corridor Improvements. The improvements along East Marginal Way will significantly enhance freight mobility while also improving safety and access for all users—including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. By improving this critical freight route, the project delivers broad benefits to Washington’s statewide freight system with enhanced connections between ports, industrial centers, and distribution networks while also strengthening Washington’s economy, creating jobs, and supporting our role as a global trade leader.”  

Kate Wells, West Seattle Bike Connections 

“West Seattle and Duwamish Valley area cyclists are so excited to see a comfortable, protected bike route on East Marginal Way S that will help people on bikes get safely to downtown and beyond! True separation between freight trucks and bike riders will increase safety for everyone, and new trees will add shade and greenery to an area that has little vegetation. Thanks to collaboration between the Port, SDOT, the railroad, and advocates, this project will serve as a template for other industrial areas in Seattle.” 

Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO BIA 

“The completion 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.” 

Lee Lambert, Executive Director, Cascade Bicycle Club 

“The East Marginal Way project is an investment in a more connected, balanced, and resilient transportation future for Seattle. When complete, it will be a major step forward for Seattle’s transportation system, not just for people biking, but for everyone who depends on this vital corridor. This new protected bike facility will provide a much-needed, safe, and direct connection for people traveling to and from West Seattle, linking them into the City’s expanding bike network and the Seattle Waterfront. This project is proof that people driving freight vehicles and people riding bikes can share the road in a way that supports both safety and economic activity.”