Seattle’s Route 8 has faced delays, especially during rush hour. On Thursday, the Seattle Department of Transportation shared a plan with short-term and long-term measures to improve travel reliability along the route, which runs from Mount Baker to the Seattle Center, according to the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Seattle Department of Transportation plans improvements for Route 8 in stages. They are not adding a full-length bus-only lane east of 9th Ave yet because traffic congestion could slow both buses and other vehicles. Recent work includes installing eastbound bus lanes, Intelligent Transportation System signs, and repaving Denny Way. Near-term plans focus on spot improvements, with possible dedicated bus lanes in the future once congestion decreases.
In 2025, Seattle Department of Transportation will introduce a right-turn restriction from Westlake Ave onto Denny Ave, with plans in 2026 to add an exclusive transit turn lane and an eastbound bus-and-turn lane. Traffic patterns will be monitored, and adjustments may be made to wayfinding, signal timing, and lane markings to reduce congestion on Denny Way. Seattle Department of Transportation said, "We’ll continue to work closely with our partners at King County Metro and WSDOT, while listening to all stakeholders and keeping you informed along the way."
