Seattle has completed the Extended Rainier Avenue Bus Lane project, adding a new northbound bus-only lane from S Walden St to S Grand St. The Seattle Department of Transportation reported that the lane aims to improve the daily commute for riders on Route 7.
Route 7, which averages around 12,000 weekday riders as of September, is expected to see travel times decrease by nearly five minutes during peak morning hours. The route, a key corridor through the Rainier Valley, is part of ongoing efforts to improve the reliability and efficiency of bus travel in the area.
The project also includes measures to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, such as new marked crosswalks, updated traffic signals, and sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps and street lighting. These upgrades aim to enhance mobility for both bus riders and pedestrians.
The project is funded through the Seattle Transit Measure, which is supported by voter-approved taxes. The upgrades aim to provide more reliable service for the daily riders of Route 7.
