Accessibility improvements

Design rendering showing an overhead view of an intersection on Alaskan Way with clear marking sections for each mode of transportation.
View of accessibility improvements at a standard intersection on the new Alaskan Way

The text below describes the image above

Design rendering showing an overhead view of an intersection on Alaskan Way. There are clear marking sections for each mode of transportation, separated by warning plates, paints, and shrubs. There are two lanes of traffic going north and south, with signals and crosswalks on the north, south, and east sides of the intersection. Curb ramps with detectable warning plates point directly into each crosswalk. On the west side of the intersection, a safety zone separates the crosswalk from the protected bike lane with detectable warning plates on either side of the zone. There is another detectable warning plate on the west side of the bike lane, leading to the promenade along Elliott Bay. The intersection is raised. There is see-through mesh on the railing next to the water. There are wayfinding strips all along the promenade.

Accessibility features

Graphic map of the Waterfront Program area from Bell St to S King St with boxes indicating different accessibility improvement features.
Accessibility features on the new waterfront include new elevators, redesigned intersections, wayfinding elements and more

The text below describes the image above

Graphic map of the Waterfront Program area shown in pink from Bell St to S King St. There are callout boxes indicating seventeen different accessibility improvement features. The new accessibility features including new elevators and bridges, directional curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signals, raised intersections, wayfinding strips, see-through mesh, ADA parking and loading, and access to seating. The map shows locations to some of the features, including: First, New Lenora Street bridge at the cross section of Alaskan Way and Lenora Street Second, Wayfinding strips all along the promenade. Third, new elevator at Union St and near the Overlook Walk. Forth, pier 58 being rebuilt Fifth, Marion Street Bridge being rebuilt

The new waterfront is designed to help ensure a safe and accessible experience for people of all ages and abilities.

We've incorporated unique accessibility features into many parts of the waterfront design, including:

  • Intersections that prioritize pedestrians, offer sound and tactile cues at crosswalks, and include ADA-compliant curb ramps
  • Three new elevators linking the waterfront to Western Avenue and to the Pike Place Market
  • A detectable wayfinding element embedded in the pavement of the park promenade, to allow pedestrians using canes to navigate the space easily
  • Designated, on-street ADA parking stalls along the new Alaskan Way, and a major new accessible loading zone at the Colman Dock transit hub

For more information, read our Waterfront Seattle Accessibility Plan.

To request accommodations for persons with disabilities for this website or for Waterfront Seattle events, call (206) 733-9990 / TTY Relay: 711.