Waterfront Seattle is dedicated to improving pedestrian and cyclist accessibility between the waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods like Belltown. The Bell Street Improvements project is a key initiative in this effort, focusing on creating a more inviting and functional public space along Bell Street.
The primary objective of the Bell Street Improvements project is to strengthen the connection between Belltown and the waterfront, specifically along Bell Street from 1st Avenue to Elliott Avenue. The recently completed Elliott Way now provides a crucial link between Belltown and the waterfront, seamlessly integrating with Bell Street at Elliott and Western Avenues. This new infrastructure includes dedicated protected bike lanes and enhanced sidewalks, making the area safer and more enjoyable for all users.
Based on valuable community input, the final design for Bell Street incorporates a two-way protected bike lane, significantly wider sidewalks for pedestrians, and various pedestrian-friendly amenities. To further enhance safety and create a more pedestrian-focused environment, a travel lane will be removed. These changes, combined with existing curb bulbs at intersections, are designed to naturally slow down traffic along Bell Street. Adding to cyclist safety, a dedicated bicycle traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Bell Street and Western Avenue.
Beyond these functional improvements, the project will also incorporate a piece of Seattle’s history. The salvaged historic sign bridge, formerly a landmark on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, will be repurposed to span Bell Street just east of the Western Avenue intersection. Responding to community feedback, this sign bridge will serve as a welcoming gateway to Belltown, illuminated to enhance its visibility and create a sense of arrival for visitors and residents alike.
To accommodate the new Elliott Way connection, Bell Street between 1st Avenue and Elliott Avenue will be reconfigured into a one-way street system. It will be eastbound between Elliott and Western Avenues and westbound between Western and 1st Avenues. This adjustment is necessary to integrate with the two-way Elliott Way, which connects to the one-way Western Avenue and one-way Elliott Avenue. Importantly, a new signalized intersection at Western Avenue and Bell Street will manage northbound traffic from Elliott Way. Stop signs will also be in place at the Western Avenue intersection for vehicles on Bell Street to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow.
Construction for the Bell Street Improvements project commenced in January 2025.
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