4th Ave S Sidewalk Project
S Front St to E Marginal Way S
Updated October 2026
What's Happening Now?
We are now publishing the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) for this project. You can download a copy of the DNS is here. The Environmental Checklist supporting the DNS is here. You can also find these documents in the Project Documents section.
The comment period on the DNS is open; submit your comments by 5pm on October 29, 2026. The appeal period on the DNS is open; file any appeals by 5pm on November 5, 2026. Review the DNS for information on how to submit comments or file an appeal.
We are building new sidewalks improve walking and rolling access along 4th Ave S, between S Front St and East Marginal Way S in the Georgetown neighborhood. We have finalized designs and anticipate construction will begin in summer 2027.
If you have questions or would like to get in touch, please contact Lisa Harrison at 4thAveSSidewalk@seattle.gov.
Project Area
This project is located on 4th Ave S, between S Front St and E Marginal Way S in the Georgetown neighborhood.
About the Project
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is making it safer and easier to walk in Georgetown, one of Seattle’s busiest industrial areas.
Today, sidewalks along 4th Ave S are disconnected, making it difficult for people walking or using mobility devices to reach nearby businesses and bus stops. This project will close those gaps between S Front St and East Marginal Way S and will also add:
- New trees and plants
- Improved driveways and curbs
- Improved drainage to clear rainwater, where needed
These changes will make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to walk or roll down 4th Ave S. It will also be easier to get to King County Metro bus routes 131 and 132. These buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays.
Sidewalks help people walk safely. There are currently more than 2,000 miles of sidewalks in Seattle, yet nearly a quarter of Seattle streets are missing sidewalks. SDOT is committed to increasing the number of sidewalks in the city.
Existing conditions along 4th Ave S show uneven pavement, cracked sidewalks and limited space for people walking near busy traffic. (SDOT photos)
Project Design
Project Elements include
- New sidewalks on 4th Ave S between S Front St and E Marginal Way S
- New curb ramps that comply with Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards (in some locations)
- Widened curb bulbs to increase pedestrian visibility and slow down vehicle turning movements (in some locations)
- New landscape buffer with existing trees and additional parallel parking where possible
- New concrete pad for future bus stop shelter for southbound buses at 4th Ave S and S Front St (to be installed by Transit Spot Program after project is complete)
Design Plan (to scale)
Why This Project is Important
4th Ave S is a busy industrial street with fast-moving traffic, lots of driveways, disconnected sidewalks, and few existing trees. Today, the corridor feels uncomfortable and unsafe for people walking or using mobility devices because sidewalks are incomplete and often interrupted.
This project is designed to:
- Make it easier and more comfortable to walk through Georgetown
- Create a continuous and accessible sidewalk network that connects to nearby bus routes
- Reduce conflicts between people walking and people driving
- Support equitable access to transportation and local businesses
This project is a priority in the Seattle Transportation Plan (STP), which includes a Pedestrian Element that ranks missing sidewalk segments citywide based on factors such as proximity to frequent transit and schools, safety needs, and equity considerations. These rankings guide where we invest in new sidewalks.
The 4th Ave S Sidewalk Improvement Project also supports Vision Zero, Seattle's commitment to ending traffic deaths and serious injuries. Between 2020 and 2025, this stretch of 4th Ave S experienced:
- 1 serious injury to a person walking
- 16 injury collisions involving people in vehicles, including two serious ones
- 2 collisions involving people driving and biking.
By creating continuous sidewalks and wider curb bulbs that improve visibility, the project will reduce conflicts between people walking and driving, slow turning vehicles speeds, and create a safer, more comfortable environment for everyone traveling along 4th Ave S.
Timeline
Planning (2024-2025): We identified needs, developed early concepts, and engaged with nearby businesses and residents to inform design priorities.
Design (2026-2027): We refined design concepts and coordinated directly with property owners and businesses.
Construction (as soon as July 2027): We’ll build the new sidewalks and keep the community informed about construction schedules and impacts.
Project Documents
Nearby Projects
E Marginal Way S Paving & Safety Improvements Project
Georgetown to South Park Safety Project - Off-Leash Dog Park (for construction updates)
14th Ave S Reimagined (South Park)