Transit-Friendly Makeover for Downtown Seattle Street

Transit commutes have borne the brunt of ongoing deconstruction work around Alaskan Viaduct in Downtown Seattle. Allowing two-way bus-only lanes on Columbia Street is supposed to improve the situation.

1 minute read

February 21, 2020, 8:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"A new transit pathway in Downtown Seattle opens on Saturday," reports Doug Trumm.

The project will transform Columbia Street into a two-way bus connection benefitting 26,000 daily bus riders. "West Seattle, White Center, and Burien riders have been hit hard by the Seattle Squeeze, particularly since the new SR-99 tunnel opened and deconstruction work on the former viaduct forced reroutes to surface streets through SoDo and Pioneer Square. King County Metro all but issued an apology to riders at the end of summer over mounting delays, some approaching a full hour, due to interim routings on 1st Avenue without dedicated bus lanes," according to Trumm.

Columbia Street will now allow for the passage of a dozen bus routes, explains Trumm. "The new transit pathway will also have other benefits for riders, bringing them closer to light rail, ferries, and eventually streetcar service."

Trumm provides a lot more detail on the circumstances leading to the redesign of Columbia Street, as well as the details of the new configuration.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 in The Urbanist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog