Yesler Way Protected Bike Lane
April 28, 2026
What’s happening now?
The Yesler Way Protected Bike Lane is now complete. We upgraded the signal at 1st Ave and Yesler Way to include an all-walk phase, enhancing safety for people walking, biking, and rolling and modernizing this intersection in the historic core of Pioneer Square. The new all-walk phase means people walking and biking all travel at the same time and do not have to contend with cars as they cross the intersection.
Please note the original design for this project in 2024 did not include signal upgrade at 1st Ave and Yesler Way due to funding constraints. The updated design in 2026 replaced the proposed westbound right-turn restriction at this intersection with a dedicated signal phase so people driving would not be allowed into the intersection at the same time as people walking and biking.
This project separates people biking from vehicular traffic and connects the new Waterfront trails to the Center City Bike Network on 2nd Ave so people can safely and intuitively get to jobs, opportunities, and destinations downtown.
Upgraded signal phases at 1st Ave and Yesler Way
Graphic showing the three phases of newly upgraded signal at 1st Ave and Yesler Way.
Nearby Projects
- Pioneer Square East West Pedestrian Improvements (completed)
- 3rd and Yesler Safety Improvements (completed)
Questions?
If you have any questions about the project, please call: (206) 450-6594 or email us at Ching.Chan@seattle.gov.
If you need translation services, please call (206) 450-6594 and leave a message clearly stating the language you prefer.
Project Map
Project area map
Project Need and Background
Following the construction of the waterfront bicycle path and protected bike lanes on the short block of Yesler Way between Alaskan Way and Western Ave, there was just a 600-foot gap separating Seattle's newly rebuilt waterfront from the downtown protected bike lane network.
We completed a two-way protected bike lane on the north side of Yesler Way to fill this gap in spring 2026. This project created a seamless route comfortable for riders of all ages and abilities between Downtown Seattle and the waterfront bike path. It also provides direct access to Washington's largest ferry hub, providing a true regional connection to multiple ferry lines.
Project Description
The protected bike lane is on the north side of Yesler Way and allows people biking, on scooters, and other mobility devices to travel in both directions. It fits seamlessly into the existing protected bike lane network in Pioneer Square that also uses this configuration. We used precast concrete barriers to separate people biking from people driving. The project adds an all-walk at 1st Ave and Yesler Way to improve safety for people walking, biking, and rolling through the area.
This work was coordinated with the Office of the Waterfront’s Pioneer Square East/West Pedestrian Improvements Project which made sidewalk expansion, paving, and other enhancements to Yesler Way along with other streets in Pioneer Square.
Materials
Updated 100% Design as-built plan (March 2026)
Certificate of Approval (September 2024)
Presentation to Pioneer Square Historic Preservation Board (Certificate of Approval Application, September 2024)
100% Design plan (June 2024)
Presentation to Pioneer Square Historic Preservation Board (Informational briefing, May 2024)
30% Design plan (May 2024)
Fact sheet (April 2024)
Funding
This project is funded by the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle and Seattle Transportation Levy.
Translations
If you need this information translated, please call (206) 450-6594.
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