Thomas St: 5th Ave N to Dexter Ave N
March 13, 2023
What’s happening now?
The Thomas St project, between 5th Ave N to Dexter Ave N, is approaching the 100% design milestone. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall of 2023.
The project’s budget has seen some reductions and the team have been evaluating the scope and timeline to reflect this change. As a result, until additional funds are identified, work to the west of Taylor Ave N will be implemented as an interim east-west bicycle facility and a tactical plaza consisting of temporary landscaping and seating between 5th Ave N and the alley between 5th Ave N and Taylor Ave N.
Project Overview
In coordination with Seattle City Light and other adjacent property owners, we will make improvements on Thomas St between 5th Ave N and Dexter Ave N.
As past of the Thomas Street Redefined concept plan, the design focuses on improvements for a half-block closure at Thomas St east of 5th Ave N, a northern promenade for a multi-use trail from 5th Ave N to 6th Ave N, and a protected intersection at Dexter Ave N and Thomas St. Bicycle facilities are existing or planned between 6th Ave N and Dexter Ave N.
We have initiated the first phase of the improvements along Thomas St from 5th Ave N to Dexter Ave N by constructing an interim diverter at Dexter Ave N. This was completed in conjunction with the new traffic signal at Thomas St and 7th Ave N (formerly Aurora Ave N). The purpose of the diverter is to lower vehicle traffic volumes along Thomas St, a corridor prioritized for people walking and biking. This improvement changed access to Thomas St at Dexter Ave N - as Thomas St will function as a right in - right out street.
Project Map
Thomas St: 5th Ave N to Dexter Ave N
The project extent is along Thomas St from 5th Ave N to 9th Ave N and along Taylor Ave N between Thomas St and Harrison St. Most of the improvements in this project will be installed between 5th Ave N and Dexter Ave N, with some minor improvements between Dexter Ave N to 9th Ave N to connect to the existing protected bike lanes at Dexter Ave N and 9th Ave N.
Project Background
Thomas St is an important east/west green street and public realm connection, linking the Cascade neighborhood through South Lake Union to the Seattle Center. This project stemmed from the Thomas Street Redefined Plan and is identified in the Bicycle Master Plan as a Neighborhood Greenway.
This project will construct a protected intersection at Thomas St and Dexter Ave N to support and prioritize non-motorized traffic in this corridor, particularly around event times at the Seattle Center. The protected intersection will include a traffic signal to make it easier for people walking and biking to cross Dexter Ave N. This will provide an important connection in the citywide biking network by linking Thomas St to the popular Dexter Ave N bike lanes.
Thomas Street Redefined
Thomas Street Redefined is a community-driven, visionary concept plan for a pedestrian and bicyclist-oriented corridor connecting the Waterfront, Uptown, Seattle Center, South Lake Union, and Eastlake neighborhoods. This project will begin implementation of the Thomas Street Redefined vision by establishing the vehicular use of Thomas St as defined by the vision in coordination with the 7th Ave N project. More intermediate and permanent improvements will follow as early as spring 2020.
Thomas Street Redefined consist of two parts: West of Seattle Center (connecting Seattle Center to the Elliott Bay Trail via Thomas St Overpass) and East of Seattle Center (connecting Seattle Center to Eastlake). This project is the first phase of the East of Seattle Center connection.
Target Project Schedule
Spring 2020: Phase 1 installation of Dexter Ave N and Thomas St interim diverter.