Strengthening Seattle’s freight network and expanding safe bike connections in SODO with Levy to Move Seattle and federal funding
SEATTLE – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell joined the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), project advocates, and funding partners to get an early look at the near-complete safety and travel upgrades along E Marginal Way S between S Spokane St and S Atlantic St. These improvements, funded in part by the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle, are part of the North Segment of the East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project and the first to be delivered. Construction began in March 2024 and is on track for completion as soon as September, nearly 4 months ahead of schedule. The project is on budget and once it concludes any possible cost savings will be identified at that time.
“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,” said 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 of Seattle’s most vital transportation corridors, serving as a foundational component of a resilient freight network that moves thousands of trucks a day to and from Seattle’s maritime cargo terminals. It plays a critical role in our region’s economy as a designated Heavy Haul Route, a key last-mile connector for freight, and a connector for oversized cargo moving to and from the Northwest Seaport Alliance facilities (Port of Seattle’s joint operating partnership with the Port of Tacoma). It’s 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.
This milestone is the result of a decade of planning, partnership, and advocacy. Since 2015, this project has moved forward thanks to the collaboration of freight and maritime leaders, the bike community, community advocates, local and federal agencies, and the support of our funding partners. The North Segment budget 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,” said 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 support safe and efficient travel for freight and people and strengthen the long-term economic resilience of the city’s maritime and industrial sectors. When the corridor fully opens this fall, freight trucks accessing the Port of Seattle, workers for nearby maritime and industrial businesses, people walking, biking and rolling, and neighbors will benefit from a safer, more efficient trip along the 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,” said 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 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 both trains and people walking or biking.
- Traffic signal upgrades: Freight- and bike-priority signals at 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: 261 new street trees and a native pollinator mix to enhance the SODO streetscape and support local ecology.
- Utility upgrades: Watermain replacement and stormwater improvements in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities to reduce flooding risks.
Over the next month, crews will complete installation of the fencing between the bike lane and rail tracks north of S Hanford St, stripe the street and bike lane, and complete minor activities before opening the street and bike lane to the public. In 2026, new public art will be added to the fencing: On the Fence by artist Will Schlough is a panel-based installation that combines playful illustrated scenes with reflections on our connection to the landscape and industry along the corridor.
The North Segment is the first phase of work on the East Marginal Way Corridor, with future opportunities to expand improvements along the corridor as funding is identified. The Central Segment is currently at 90% design and the South Segment completed preliminary design.
A final community celebration will take place later this year during Hot Bike Summer, marking the full reopening of the corridor. View the project website to learn more and the project Flickr page for more photos of East Marginal Way Corridor Project construction.
What people 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.”