RapidRide G Line – Madison St

Madison St – will move more people with frequent and reliable public transit  

Construction Alerts

Madison Street will be reduced to one lane in downtown 

In mid-March, we stared conducting trenching and utility conduit work in the area of 2nd Ave and Madison St. During this work, Madison St. will be reduced to one lane. This lane reconfiguration remains in place.

Emergency response to building fire between 8th and 9th Avenues

There has been progress cleaning the site of a burned building on 8th Ave and Madison St. All traffic closures have been eliminated and full vehicle access has been restored. All bus lines that were detoured in the aftermath of the building fire have been returned to their original routes.

The sidewalk on the southside of Madison St. between 8th and 9th Avenues remains closed for pedestrian safety. New, permanent fencing will be installed along the property line to protect pedestrians and secure the building. When the fence has been installed, the sidewalk will reopen.

15th Ave has reopened and is now southbound-only

15th Ave has been reconfigured to be southbound only between E Pine St. and E Madison St. We'll be reconfiguring the loading zones and parking spaces on 15th Ave to include angled parking on the east side of the street. This segment of 15th Ave will remain southbound-only permanently.    

Access to E Madison St from southbound 28th Ave remains closed 

Vehicle access connecting to E Madison St. or Martin Luther King Jr Way from southbound 28th Ave has reopened. Crews have completed most of the sidewalk and utility work in this area and no longer require a roadway closure. It is possible that there will be short-term closures to southbound 28th Ave when crews revisit the area to complete additional sidewalk and driveway work. 

Throughout construction, buses will get rerouted and bus stops will temporarily close or relocate. We're working closely with our partners at King County Metro to reduce impacts to bus riders and prioritize restoring buses to their regular routes and opening bus stops. To receive the most up to date information about bus detours and impacts to bus stops, sign up for King County Metro's Transit Alerts.  

You can also use digital mapping tools to plan your bus trip and stay informed about bus detours, bus stop closures, and relocated bus stops. For questions about bus routes or bus stops, you can contact King County Metro customer service at 1 (206) 553-3000.

We are working to maintain pedestrian access by installing protected walkways in the streets around construction areas. There is not always enough space to install a protected walkway around construction, and sometimes we need to close a crosswalk or sidewalk. There are signs to indicate where sidewalks or crosswalks are closed. People should follow all signed detours. 

In January, we started construction of the new center bus stations, or bus islands, on Madison St. at 8th, Terry, Boylston and 12th Avenues Ave. There will be crosswalk closures for up to six weeks at these intersections when work is performed at each location. We will maintain access to at least one pedestrian crossing across Madison St at each of these locations at all times. We anticipate working in these areas through early May.

More information on sidewalk work can be found in our project email updates. 

Nightwork is occasionally required. When this happens, the contractor obtains the necessary permits to work at night. The permits allow the contractor to work at all times, but restricts the types of activities that can occur at night. For example, impact work and pure tone back-up beepers cannot be used past 10 PM.

Nightwork is scheduled for the following nights:

  • In April, we will be performing milling work throughout the project area. Milling work involves removing old and/or worn-out asphalt or concrete from roads to prepare the surface for repaving or repairs.
  • April 7: Overhead Contact System poll pull test at Broadway Ave and Madison St  
  • April 12: Work on the Bailey-Boushay House driveway, on E Madison St., between 27th and 28th Avenues.
  • April 19: Driveway work on the north side of E Madison St., between 17th, 18th, and 19th Avenues.
  •  April 26: Driveways work on the south side of E Madison St., between 25th and 26th Avenues.

Recent Updates

Project Overview

The RapidRide G Line (formerly Madison Bus Rapid Transit) project brings new, reliable, and frequent bus service between 1st Ave in downtown Seattle to Martin Luther King Jr Way. The route will serve densely developed neighborhoods in downtown Seattle, First Hill, Capitol Hill, the Central District, and Madison Valley.  The project is a partnership with King County Metro, who will operate the new RapidRide G Line. SDOT is making street improvements to Madison St and Spring St to support the new bus line. One of SDOT’s largest and most complex capital projects, it is expected to be completed in 2024. 

The planning for this project started in 2012 as part of the Seattle Transit Master Plan. Madison St from downtown Seattle to Madison Valley was identified as a key transit hub that needed more frequent and reliable bus service. Visit King County Metro’s RapidRide webpage to learn more about the benefits of RapidRide and other RapidRide routes.  

Project Area

Project features map

The project went through a rigorous process to develop the design with community input and secure federal funding to cover almost half of the project cost. The project is designed to meet the following goals:  

Transit reliability 

  • Buses will come every 6 minutes during peak times
  • Bus only lanes and bus priority at traffic signals reduce travel time (by 5 minutes from Colman Dock to Madison Valley) and improve reliability
  • All-door boarding and doors on both sides, so people can board efficiently from new center-running stations (between 9th Ave and 13th Ave)
  • ORCA readers at the stations to pay before boarding
  • Real-time bus arrival information at stations 

Accessibility 

  • Station platforms level with bus so no stairs to climb
  • New curb bulbs, crosswalks, sidewalks, curb ramps, and bike lanes in sections 

Equity 

  • Serves historically underserved neighborhoods with an affordable and reliable transportation option
  • Improved reliability and accessibility makes riding the bus a better transportation option for people who rely on taking the bus now and in the future  

Upgrades and vibrancy 

  • Updated utilities and street paving
  • New art and landscaping 

Street and lane layout 

  • Repaving the street and changing the lane layout, including widening Madison by 1 to 2 feet in a few locations and adding bus lanes 
  • Installing five new traffic signals (8th Ave and Spring St, 10th Ave and Madison St, 18th Ave and Madison St, 19th Ave and Union St, Harrison St and MLK) and upgrading existing signals 

Bus infrastructure  

  • Building new bus platforms along the project area, including 4 center-running stations between 9th and 12th avenues
  • Placing new bus shelters and other station amenities
  • Installing new poles and relocating some overhead trolley wires to match the new street layout 

Utilities 

  • Upgrading the streetlight network in the First Hill neighborhood
  • Installing detention tanks to manage stormwater runoff (Madison St between 12th and 13th avenues, 10th between Madison and Seneca streets, and E Pine St between 15th and 16th avenues)
  • Water and sewer main replacement east of Broadway 

Walking, biking, and community infrastructure  

  • Building curb bulbs to shorten pedestrian crossings along side streets (Madison St at the intersections of Minor Ave, 10th Ave, 12th Ave, Union St, Pike St, 15th Ave, 18th Ave, 19th Ave, Denny St, John St, and 27th Ave; Spring St at the intersections of 7th, 8th, and 9th avenues)
  • Building new and upgrading many existing curb ramps
  • Completing landscaping and tree removal/tree replacements throughout the project area, and adding significant landscaping enhancements on Madison St over I-5
  • Creating public art (where Madison St, 14th Ave, and Pike St converge)
  • Adding bike connections 

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has allocated $80.5 million in federal funding to the Madison Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) - RapidRide G Line project*. This funding covers about 60% of the total project costs. Other funding sources for the project include the Move Seattle Levy, Sound Transit ST3, King County, and Washington State funds. 


*Federal funding sources include: $59.9 million from the Small Starts Program; $9.6 million from Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grants; and $10.9 million from the 2021 American Recovery Plan Act  

Project Schedule, Progress, and Milestones

The project is about 80% complete as of Q1 2024. Construction started in late 2021 and we expect to finish major construction by summer 2024. RapidRide G service is scheduled to begin by Fall 2024.

Timeline Activities/Milestones
Jan 2013 - May 2014 Project scope defined
Jun 2014 - Apr 2015 Developed and analyzed concept design alternatives, began community engagement
May 2015 - Oct 2015 Refined concept design with community engagement
Nov 2015 Finalized and shared draft concept design
Feb 2016 City Council approved concept design to move forward (also called Locally Preferred Alternative)
Feb - May 2016 Validated cost assumptions from concept design before beginning early design
Spr/Sum 2016 Community engagement on early design, including individual meetings, community briefings, and a series of open houses in August
Jan - Feb 2017 Met with property and business owners to discuss construction options and parking and loading needs
March 2017 2 public meetings (March 9 and 15) and an online open house to share latest project design and get public feedback
Spr/Sum/Fall 2017 Continue design process; continue working with property owners, businesses, and residents to complete construction phasing plan; environmental review
Feb - Mar 2018 SEPA Determination of Non-Significance comment period (February 25 through March 1); SEPA Appeal Period (March 1 through March 8)
Summer 2020 Received the final Readiness and Risk Report from the Federal Transit Administration 
Fall 2020 Final design
Late 2020 Secure Federal Small Starts Grant and finalize funding agreements with Sound Transit and Seattle City Council
Fall 2021 Construction begins
Summer 2024 Anticipated completion of major construction
Fall 2024 RapidRide G LIne service planned to begin

Legend: Check mark is completed work. Traffic cone is work in progress.

Downtown

First Hill

Capitol Hill

Madison Valley

Rebuild the street

Removed trees, excavated roads, applied temporary street markings, repaved many sections of the street

Completed permanent street markings in areas where paving is completed, including red bus lanes, green bike lanes, and crosswalks. Completed all permanent street markings on Spring St.

Upgraded existing drainage system, including new inlets and catch basins under the street

Pave few remaining sections of Madison St

Complete remaining street markings on Madison St and install final signage

Removed trees, excavated roads, applied temporary street markings, repaved many sections of the street

Started to apply final street markings in areas where paving is complete

Upgraded existing drainage system, including new inlets and catch basins under the street

Complete remaining paving

Complete final street markings once paving is completed and install final signage

Removed trees, excavated roads, installed temporary street markings, repaved many sections of the street

Started to apply final street markings in areas where paving is complete

Upgraded existing drainage system, including new inlets and catch basins under the street

Complete remaining paving

Complete final street markings once paving is completed and install final signage

Removed trees, excavated roads, applied temporary pavement markings, repaved sections of the street

Upgraded existing drainage system, including new inlets and catch basins under the street

Complete remaining paving

Apply final street markings once paving is completed and install final signage

Replace sidewalks, build curb bulbs, and new or upgraded curb ramps

Demolished existing sidewalks and relocated and installed underground utilities

Built accessible curb ramps and replaced most of the sidewalks

Complete remaining curb ramps and sidewalk repairs at some corners 

Demolished existing sidewalks and relocated and installed underground utilities

Built accessible curb ramps and replaced many sections of the sidewalk

Built new curb bulbs on Spring St at the intersections of 7th Ave and 8th Ave, and at Madison St and Minor Ave

Complete remaining curb ramps and replacing sections of the sidewalk

Demolished existing sidewalks and relocated and installed underground utilities

Built accessible curb ramps, rebuilt many sections of the sidewalk

Built new curb bulbs at the intersections of Madison St and 10th Ave, Union St and Denny Way

Complete remaining curb ramps and replacing sections of the sidewalk

Build remaining new curb bulbs at the intersections of Madison St , Pike St, 12th Ave, 15th Ave, 18th Ave, and 19th Ave

Install public art where Madison St, 14th Ave, and Pike St converge

Demolished existing sidewalks and relocated and installed underground utilities

Built accessible curb ramps and replaced many sections of the sidewalk

Built new raised crosswalk at 24th Ave E and new curb bulb at Madison St and John St

Complete remaining curb ramps and replacing sections of the sidewalk

Build remaining new curb bulb at Madison St and 27th Ave

Install new and upgraded traffic signals

Removed existing signals and installed temporary signals

Installed and relocated conduit for new streetlights and signals

Installed new signal poles other elements for upgraded signals, including cabinets, lights, pedestrian push buttons, transit priority lights, improved communication systems and vehicle detection

Turned on upgraded signals at 7th Ave and Madison St and 7th Ave and Spring St

Finish installing remaining signal poles other remaining other elements for upgraded signals, and turn on remaining upgraded signals

Remove remaining temporary signals

Removed existing signals and installed temporary signals

Installed and relocated conduit for new streetlights and signals

Installed new signal poles other elements for upgraded signals, including cabinets, lights, pedestrian push buttons, transit priority lights, improved communication systems and vehicle detection

Turned on upgraded signals at 8th Ave and Madison St

Turned on new pedestrian signal at Terry Ave and Madison St.

Finish installing remaining signal poles other remaining other elements for upgraded signals, and turn on remaining upgraded signals

Turn on new signal at 9th Ave and Spring St.

Remove remaining temporary signals

Removed existing signals and installed temporary signals

Installed and relocated conduit for new streetlights and signals

Installed new signal poles other elements for upgraded signals, including cabinets, lights, pedestrian push buttons, transit priority lights, improved communication systems and vehicle detection

Turned on upgraded signals at E Denny Way/22nd Ave and E Madison

Finish installing remaining signal poles, streetlights, other remaining other elements for upgraded signals, and turn on remaining upgraded signals

Turn on new traffic signals at: 10th Ave and Madison St; 18th Ave and Madison St; 19th Ave and Union St

Remove remaining temporary signals

Remove existing signals and installed temporary signals and streetlights

Installed and relocated conduit for new streetlights and signals

Installed new signal poles other elements for upgraded signals, including cabinets, lights, pedestrian push buttons, transit priority lights, improved communication systems and vehicle detection

Finish installing remaining signal poles, streetlights, other remaining other elements for upgraded signals, and turn on upgraded signals

Turn on new traffic signal at Martin Luther King Jr Way and Harrison St

Remove remaining temporary signals

Build new bus stations and improved bus stops

Removed existing bus shelters, installed foundations for new bus stops, installed electrical conduit and relocated utilities at bus stops

Removed old trolley wires on Madison St between 5th Ave and 6th Ave and installed new trolley wire poles

Build new bus platforms, install new bus shelters and other bus stop amenities

Removed existing bus shelters, installed foundations for new bus stops, installed electrical conduit and relocated utilities at bus stops

Removed old trolley wire poles and installed new poles

Continue installing electrical conduit and relocating utilities

Build new bus platforms, install new bus shelters and other bus stop amenities

Install remaining new trolley wire poles

Complete new center-running bus stations on Madison St at 8th Ave, Terry Ave, and Boylston Ave

Removed existing bus shelters, installed foundations for new bus stops, installed electrical conduit and relocated utilities at bus stops

Removed old trolley wire poles and installed new poles

Continue installing electrical conduit and relocating utilities

Build new bus platforms, install new bus shelters and other bus stop amenities

Install remaining new trolley wire poles

Complete new center-running bus station on Madison St and 12th Ave

Removed many existing bus shelters, installed foundations for new bus stops, installed electrical conduit and relocated utilities at bus stops

Continue installing foundations, electrical conduit, and relocating utilities

Finish removing existing shelters

Build new bus platforms, install new bus shelters and other bus stop amenities

Poured foundation for new driver comfort station

Build the new bus layover area including road paving and street markings

Build remaining elements of the new comfort station including the building framing, siding, roofing, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems

Plant new landscaping and street trees

Installed flexi-pave around tree pits and started planting new trees and landscaping

Continue installing remaining flexi-pave, new trees, and landscaping

Install new planters on Madison St over I-5

Installed flexi-pave around tree pits and started planting new trees and landscaping

Continue installing remaining flexi-pave, new trees, and landscaping

Installed flexi-pave around tree pits and started planting new trees and landscaping

Continue installing remaining flexi-pave, new trees, and landscaping

Installed flexi-pave around tree pits and started planting new trees and landscaping

Continue installing remaining flexi-pave, new trees, and landscaping

Replace and build new underground water and sewer utilities

Built 3 new underground stormwater storage tanks (10th Ave between Madison St and Union St, Madison St between 12th Ave and 13th Ave, and E Pine St between 15th Ave and 16th Ave)

Replaced a 120-year-old water and sewer line

Upgraded fire hydrants

Replaced a 120-year-old water and sewer line

Upgraded fire hydrants

Project Design by Neighborhood

This project went through a rigorous process to develop the design with community input. Explore the design for each neighborhood: 

Rendering 

Rendering of Central Library with a station shelter, real time arrival info, and new station platform Rendering at Central Library shows a station shelter, real time arrival info, station platform at the same level as the bus, and bus lane.

Final Design Plan

1st Ave to 5th Ave (PDF, 2.8 MB)

Rendering

Rendering at Madison St and Terry Ave

Rendering at Madison St and Terry Ave shows a center-running station, pedestrian refuge (protected space to wait in the middle of the street), center-running bus lanes, new curb ramps, landscaping, station shelters, and real-time arrival info.

Final Design Plan 

6th Ave to Terry St (PDF, 8 MB) 
Boren Ave to Broadway (PDF, 6.7 MB) 

Future street design 

Looks at 6th Ave and 7th Ave

Typical cross section on Madison St between 6th Ave and 7th Ave (looking east). The future street design will have 2 westbound right turn lanes, a westbound general purpose lane, a westbound bus lane, and a eastbound general purpose lane.  

Future Madison between 7th and 8th

Typical cross section on Madison St between 7th Ave and 8th Ave (looking east). The future street design will have two westbound general-purpose lanes, a center-running bus station and platform, a westbound bus lane, and one eastbound general-purpose lane. 

Future Madison St and Summit Ave

Typical cross section on Madison St between Summit Ave and Boylston Ave (looking east). The future street design will have one westbound general purpose lane, one center-running bus station and platform, one eastbound and one westbound bus lane, and one eastbound general purpose lane. 

Rendering

Rendering at E Madison St and 12th Ave

Rendering at E Madison St and 12th Ave shows a center-running station, new curb ramps, pedestrian refuge (protected space to wait in the middle of the street), bus lanes, landscaping, and new curb ramps.

Final Design Plan 

Future Street Design

Typical cross section on E Madison St between 16th Ave and 17th Ave (looking east).

A typical cross section on E Madison St between 16th Ave and 17th Ave (looking east). The future street design will have a westbound bus lane and right turn lane, a westbound general purpose lane, an eastbound general purpose lane, and a eastbound bus lane and right turn lane.

Rendering

Rendering at E Madison St and E John St

Rendering at E Madison St and E John St shows a station platform level with the bus, bus lane, new curb ramp, yellow tactile strip for accessibility, station shelter, and real-time arrival info.

Final Design Plan 

New left turn restrictions 

The new center-running stations and center bus lanes will require restricting left turns at several intersections. People driving will need to use alternate routes and make left turns where they are permitted. Click on the links below to see maps showing intersections where left turns will be restricted and alternative routes for drivers.

About Construction

Construction along 5th and Madison

We're working to make progress on construction as safely and efficiently as possible. Typical working hours are weekdays between 7 AM - 5 PM. Occasionally the contractor needs to work at night or on the weekends. When night work is necessary, the contractor must obtain a nighttime noise variance to complete construction activities within the allowable nighttime noise limits.

We are working with the construction contractor to build the project as efficiently as possible while maintaining access and mobility, but you can expect to experience some disruptions from construction activities throughout the corridor. Construction activities generally include:  

  • Demolition and removals of the street and sidewalk 
  • Utility work (including planned water outages), installation of temporary lighting and new lighting 
  • Rebuilding the road and sidewalks and applying temporary and permanent pavement markings  

During construction, people can expect:  

  • Noise, dust, and vibrations from pavement breaking, grinding, and other activities 
  • Truck traffic to haul equipment and materials in and out of construction areas 
  • Temporary parking restrictions that can be months at a time  
  • Traffic shifts
  • Lane, intersection, crosswalk, and sidewalk closures and detours 
  • Temporary driveway and doorway impacts 
  • Bus reroutes and temporary bus stop closures and relocations 
  • Temporary water shut-offs 
  • Placement of temporary utilities while new permanent utilities are installed 
  • Materials and equipment staged within the work area throughout construction  

We know construction is difficult on neighbors. Our team is working to coordinate with neighbors, the construction team, and across City departments to lessen the burden of construction as much as possible including:

  • Relocating load zones before and during construction  
  • Working closely with SDOT's Hub team to coordinate with other public and private construction in the area 
  • Creating signage tailored for the area with wayfinding and construction information 
  • Outreach team:  
    • Serves as liaison between construction team and neighbors 
    • Connects with neighbors to have direct points of contact and learn about needs 
    • Attends construction meetings and coordinates with construction team to accommodate neighbors as much as possible 
    • Communicates with neighbors through mailings, social media, email updates, flyers, door-to-door, virtual meetings, phone calls, and web updates 

Supporting local businesses 

We’re working closely with businesses to maintain pedestrian access during construction and make construction more manageable. Please continue to support local businesses in person or virtually via Central Area Collaborative and Intentionalist. The Central Area Collaborative is partnering with Intentionalist to support Black-owned and small businesses in the Central District neighborhood. 

Staging area at E Arthur Pl and Martin Luther King Jr Way E with Still Essential Workers art

Staging area at E Arthur Pl and Martin Luther King Jr Way E with Still Essential Workers art

In preparation for construction, the team identified 6 potential locations for the construction contractor to store equipment and materials near the project area called staging areas. These sites were selected to reduce the construction footprint on Madison St and to enable the contractor to build the project more efficiently. All locations are in the City's right-of-way. Changes to local traffic and access will be required with some of the staging areas, and we're working with neighbors to make modifications as needed.

Staging details:

  • Contractors will not be allowed to park personal vehicles within staging areas
  • Timing will depend on the location. Staging will begin as soon as construction starts and will remain for the duration of construction 
  • Business and resident access will be maintained
  • The construction contractor may propose different locations that SDOT would need to approve

Potential locations:

1. Corner of east side of 10th Ave and south side of E Seneca St

Map of Corner of east side of 10th Ave and south side of E Seneca St

2. West side of 7th Ave between Spring and Madison streets

Map of West side of 7th Ave between Spring and Madison streets

3. North side of E Union St and 13th Ave

Map of North side of E Union St and 13th Ave

4. South side of E Pike St between 13th and 14th avenues

Map of south side of E Pike St between 13th and 14th avenues

5. North side of E Pine St and West side of 18th Ave

Map of North side of E Pine St and West side of 18th Ave

6. South side of E Arthur PL and north side of E Harrison St

Map South side of E Arthur PL and north side of E Harrison St

How long will construction last?

Construction began in fall 2021 and will be completed in 2024. The RapidRide G Line is expected to begin service in fall 2024.

Will construction block driveways?

Yes. Driveway restrictions needed for paving activities are typically short-term. In spring 2021, we met with many property owners and building managers to discuss specifics for each driveway. Residents and property managers will be notified in advance of driveway closures.  

Will there be sidewalk closures?

Yes. In most cases, a walkway will be maintained on at least one side of the street. We'll work with the contractor to maintain access to businesses and residences.

How will parking be impacted?

When the team is working in a particular work zone, there are often parking restrictions. We are working to keep our work areas as small as we can to minimize parking impacts and lift parking restrictions outside of working hours when possible. Occasionally, parking will be temporarily restricted at all times of the day, 7 days a week. When street parking is impacted, people will need to park on side streets or off-street parking lots. Once the project is complete, street parking on much of Madison St will be removed permanently. Load zones will also be affected, and new load zones will be added on side streets before construction starts in a given area.  

What happens to my bus stop during construction?

Many bus stops will be temporarily relocated or closed during construction. To stay up to date about current bus stop closures and relocations, please sign up for Metro's Rider Alerts. If a stop is relocated or a bus is detoured, signs will also be posted along the corridor.

Progress Photo Gallery

RapidRide G | Best Of

Resources

February 2022

January 2022

September 2021

August 2021

December 2020

November 2020

October 2020

August 2020

June 2020

February 2020

January 2020

November 2019

September 2019

July 2019

March 2019

October 2018

July 2018

February 2018

NEPA Documented Categorical Exclusion Appendices:

January 2018 

Fall 2017

Summer 2017 

Spring 2017

March 2017

February 2017

January 2017

November 2016

August 2016

July 2016

January 22, 2016 City Council Meeting 

November 16, 2015 Open House

October 2015

July 2015

May 2015 Online Survey Results In May, the Madison Street BRT project hosted an online survey to seek input on: BRT design options, routing, terminals, and station location priorities for transit service and capital investment design concepts for a Central Area protected bike laneThe results of the survey can be found here.May 2015 Open House

Design Sheets (*Draft concepts for analysis purposes - NOT final designs*) 

Reports

January 2015 Online Survey

November 20, 2014 Open House

September 30, 2014 Open House

September 2014 - Stakeholder Outreach 

Materials

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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