Downtown

As you go about the activities you need and want to do, we want you to be informed and prepared for significant construction impacts that continue to change the way you get around.   

Photo: SDOT Flickr 

Our local transportation and transit agencies are working to ensure that transportation and transit are efficient and safe for the traveling public.  

  • It’s time to dust off that ORCA card! Transit has returned to full capacity to get where you need to and from downtown: buses, ferries and the water taxis are accepting full capacity for passengers now. In addition, the Link light rail has increased service. Metro is once again a great way to get around, with over 85% of bus service running again.  But check before you ride – your bus service may be different than the last time you rode.   
  • Welcome back to Downtown events are happening to encourage people coming back downtown to take transit, bike, walk, roll, or take a ferry. 
  • Air travel is already back to normal. Travelers can ride LINK light rail which provides direct access between downtown and Sea-Tac Airport and saves the cost of driving.   

While traffic was light in downtown due to the pandemic, we kept working on the projects that help you get around and that continue to transform the region.   

Photo: SDOT Flickr 

There are more ways than ever to walk, bike and roll in your neighborhood, or to take transit in and out of downtown.   

  • We rebuilt and reopened the Fairview Avenue Bridge between South Lake Union and Eastlake so that it meets modern seismic standards and supports the future RapidRide J Line and Seattle’s growing bike network. 
  • The Scooter Share program can help you run a quick errand, take a trip to light rail, or make a climate-friendly commute trip. 
  • Travelers can utilize Stay Healthy Streets, which are open for people walking, rolling, and biking, and closed to most car traffic. East Columbia Street is one of the Stay Healthy Streets that can get you from Central District into downtown. 
  • The new Good To Go! System makes it easier to pay bills and manage your account online for tunnels and bridges.   

We’re reshaping how you get around in the Puget Sound.    

We continue to experience significant construction impacts as we respond to emergencies, maintain our infrastructure, and build transformative transportation projects. Our transportation system is strained by the impacts of these important construction projects. We need your help to reduce the number of people driving themselves into and around Seattle.     

  • WSDOT is Reviving I-5 through regular inspections, maintenance, and preservation work on the region’s most-used freeway and ensure that the interstate continues to perform at its best for as long as possible. Sign up for WSDOT traffic alerts to stay in the know!  
  • Construction continues at the new flagship ferry terminal at Colman Dock which opened in November 2022. Signing up for WSF Rider Alerts is a great way to stay up-to-date on changes if you’re taking a ferry. 
Bus sign next to an open construction area
SDOT photo credit – Image of Madison RapidRide construction

 

  • In September 2021, we started construction of the Madison Bus Ride Transit – RapidRide G Line, which will ultimately provide fast, frequent, reliable, and safe public transportation between downtown, Capitol Hill and Madison Valley. This will help connect people to hospitals, schools, businesses, and other destinations as well as to dozens of bus routes, the First Hill Streetcar, and ferry service at the Colman Dock Ferry Terminal.
  • Sound Transit is building and planning the most ambitious transit expansion in the country, with new service opening every few years.  East Link will soon connect Seattle’s International District to the Redmond Technology Stations.  Planning is underway for West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions. 

More travel improvements are in the works!  

Here are some helpful resources to help you plan your trips to and through Downtown Seattle, stay up to date on regional transportation projects, and sign-up for up-to-date alerts: