1st Ave S Bus Bulbs Project
Improving transit reliability and safety in SODO
Updated July, 2026
What's Happening Now?
If you live, work, or travel through SODO, you know how busy 1st Ave S can get, especially during peak hours. The Seattle Department of Transportation and King County Metro have partnered to design and build bus bulbs along 1st Ave S. By making targeted improvements, we can help keep buses moving, reduce delays, and create better access for everyone who uses the corridor. King County Metro recently reached final design, and we anticipate construction to begin as soon as late 2026.
Project Background
King County Metro (Metro) and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) are working together to improve transit reliability and safety for Routes 21 and 50 in SODO. Three bus stops along 1st Ave S, between S Lander St and S Hanford St, were identified as locations where buses often have difficulty merging back into traffic. These challenges were documented through bus delay analysis, operator feedback, and Metro’s 2021 Speed and Reliability Planning Project Report.
To address these issues, Metro and SDOT developed design improvements that will widen sidewalks, add new bus shelters, improve lighting, and create a more comfortable experience for transit riders.
What's Changing and Why It Matters
These upgrades are designed to help both transit riders, ,nearby businesses and travelers along the corridor
For transit riders:
- Shorter bus delays getting back into traffic
- New and more comfortable bus shelters
- Better lighting to improve safety
- Improved sidewalks that support access to transit
- Easier access to crosswalks and nearby destinations
For businesses and travelers along the corridor:
- Updated loading and parking options
- Fewer unpredictable bus holdups in front of loading areas and parking
- Smoother traffic flow
Project Area Map
Design Improvements
1st Ave S and S Lander St
- West sidewalk will be widened so buses can stop in the travel lane, reducing delays when re-entering traffic
- Inside travel lane will remain open so vehicles can pass a stopped bus
- Bus stop will be moved closer to sidewalk for easier pedestrian access
- New bus shelter will replace the existing one
- Time-limited parking will be added near the bus stop
1st Ave S and S Hanford St
- Both sidewalks will be widened to allow buses to stop in the travel lane
- Inside travel lane will remain open so vehicles can pass a stopped bus
- Time-limited parking and passenger loading zones will be added on the east side of the street
- A non-functional driveway on the east side of the street will be removed and converted into sidewalk space
- The passenger load zone on the west side of the street will be removed
Project Timeline
Lead by Metro with SDOT review
- Planning: 2023-2024
- Preliminary Design: 2024-2025
- Final Design: 2025-2026
Lead by SDOT
- Construction: as soon as late 2026
Funding
This project is a joint effort between King County Metro and the Seattle Department of Transportation and is funded by King County Metro.