Restricting cars at Pike Place Market on 1st Ave

Pike Place car restrictions going into effect

Soon, more cars will be off the streets at Pike Place Market in an effort to reduce congestion during a period of construction.

SEATTLE - A new pilot program will take cars off the streets at Pike Place Market in an effort to reduce congestion during a period of construction.

What's next:

Starting on Wednesday, Apr. 23, signs will go up letting drivers know the following vehicles are the only ones allowed to enter the market area on 1st Ave:

Emergency & ADA Vehicles
Business Load & Unload
Commercial Deliveries and Pickup
Customer Pickup

Pike Place Market limited vehicle access and construction project map

The changes will be in effect for 17 weeks as Seattle Public Utilities works on construction projects nearby.

Vehicles entering the market will need to present an official Dash Pass between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., including Pike Place businesses who need access for deliveries. The passes do not allow long-term parking.

Parking enforcement will also be boosted in the area starting at 6 a.m. every day to ensure room for the limited essential traffic needed for Pike Place businesses.

What they're saying:

"This restriction is intended to help our businesses operate as efficiently as possible during this period of disruption. We understand the challenges construction can bring during such a busy time and are committed to minimizing the impact on your daily operations," said the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development team.

The traffic changes are part of a "test and learn strategy" that could result in a more permanent plan.

"It’s a brick road, you know what I’m saying," said Trey Davis, a Seattle resident. "I feel like that’s a good thing to be honest, but at the same time, there are a lot of tourists in Seattle. If they don’t want to get out of the car, they’d like to see the landscape."

With drivers and pedestrians co-mingling, the Ormerod family says it can make for close calls.

"I’ve probably almost hit somebody because you can drive down this road really slow, but people just go," said Lori Ormerod, a Shoreline resident.

"It does not look like cars should be able to drive through there and I think tourists coming through here get surprised when they see cars," said James Ormerod.

While some are worried about the city limiting car access, most say they'll appreciate the closure.

"It would be better just to be able to walk and relax and just stand in the street and eat something," said Kyle of Bothell.

The Source: Information for this article comes from the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development.