New pedestrian improvements completed in Pioneer Square
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A view of the improvements along South Washington Street. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
Seattle city leaders are celebrating the end of construction work they say will help connect Pioneer Square to the city's renovated waterfront.
The big picture: The pedestrian improvements on several blocks around Occidental Park are the latest upgrades tied to the waterfront revamp, which is expected to be fully completed by spring.
Zoom in: As part of the project, South Main and South Washington streets were reconfigured to be one-way streets with only one lane, leaving more space for pedestrians and plants.
- The city also added nine new raised pedestrian crossings and four blocks of curbless streets, features officials say help slow traffic and improve walkability.
- The decorative street improvements include nods to the neighborhood's history, including charred piers that recall the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, which destroyed much of Seattle's central business district and spurred a massive rebuilding effort.
What's next: The city plans to install panels that reflect Indigenous history, along with etchings depicting native plants and their uses, in the area next year.
- The completed waterfront project will include a promenade with bike paths and a new public park and playground at Pier 58.
