The last phase of Seattle's ambitious waterfront revitalization project has officially commenced, marking a major milestone in the city’s efforts to transform its waterfront into a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly area. The project’s final segment, known as the Bell Street Improvements project, broke ground on Tuesday, more than six years after the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct in early 2019.

Enhancing Connectivity Between Belltown and the Waterfront

The Bell Street Improvements project aims to improve access between the Belltown neighborhood and the waterfront, covering the 1st Avenue – Elliott Avenue corridor. Key upgrades include the construction of a two-way protected bike lane, the removal of a traffic lane, and the widening of sidewalks to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety while promoting a calmer traffic flow.

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Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell emphasized the importance of the project for both local residents and businesses.

“The new and improved pedestrian and bicycle connections between Belltown and the waterfront are crucial to increasing foot-traffic, providing benefits for community members and local businesses, and creating safer routes for cyclists traveling throughout downtown,” Harrell stated. “We are one step closer to realizing our vision of our waterfront and a stronger downtown.”

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Project Scope and Funding Breakdown

The Bell Street Improvements project carries a price tag of $5.2 million, a relatively small portion of the overall $806 million Waterfront Park initiative. The broader project is financed through a combination of public and private investments, with the city of Seattle contributing approximately $320 million.

A significant portion of the funding stems from property owners within the Waterfront Lid boundary area, who contribute through an assessment based on the “special benefit” their properties receive from the revitalization efforts. The property tax is calculated as an annual payment over 20 years, with a 3.8% interest rate. According to the Waterfront Seattle website, for a property assessed at $1,000, the total payment from 2022 to 2041 would amount to roughly $1,586.

Construction Timeline and Delays

The Bell Street Improvements project is expected to be completed by early summer, bringing the city closer to the full realization of the Waterfront Seattle Revitalization project. Initially projected for completion by late 2023, the timeline was extended due to multiple challenges, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a regional concrete strike between December 2021 and April 2022, which impacted delivery availability.

Despite these setbacks, the final segment's construction marks a significant step toward completing Seattle’s vision for a vibrant, accessible, and modernized waterfront. As the city moves forward with the final stages of the revitalization, local businesses, residents, and visitors alike can anticipate a more seamless and enjoyable experience along the waterfront.