Chinatown-International District & Little Saigon Pedestrian Lighting Project
Updated June 12, 2025
What's Happening Now?
Exciting changes are coming to the Chinatown-International District (CID) and Little Saigon area! We’re adding street lights in these neighborhoods to improve visibility and nighttime safety.
We invite you to join us at one of two upcoming tabling events, where you can learn more about the project, ask questions, and share your thoughts.
Event Details:
Resource Fair:
- When: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
- Time: 10 am – 12 PM
- Where: Hing Hay Park - 423 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
JamFest:
- When: Thursday, July 17, 2025
- Time: 5 – 8 PM
- Where: Wing Luke Museum - 719 S. King Street, Seattle, WA 98104
We look forward to meeting you!
Project Overview
We are improving street lighting in the Chinatown-International District (CID) and Little Saigon to enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort for all. The project focuses on key areas, including S. Dearborn St. from 5th Ave. S. to the I-5 overpass, S. King St. between 10th Ave. S. and 12th Ave. S., and 12th Ave. S. between S. Main St. and S. Weller St.
Key upgrades include the installation of pedestrian-scale lighting to provide consistent illumination for sidewalks and crosswalks. Additional improvements, such as ADA-compliant curb ramps, will improve accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. These upgrades aim to support multimodal transportation, reduce nighttime safety risks, and create a more welcoming and vibrant community environment.
Project Area
Project Background
Seattle’s CID and Little Saigon are neighborhoods that serve as hubs for residents, workers, and visitors. However, many areas within the CID and Little Saigon suffer from inconsistent and insufficient lighting, posing safety and visibility challenges, particularly after dark. These conditions can limit mobility and discourage community activity in public open spaces during nighttime hours. To address this, the project will install pedestrian-scale lanterns that match existing streetlights in the neighborhood, providing a cohesive visual connection between the CID and Little Saigon.
This project addresses these issues by improving lighting and connectivity along a key corridor in the CID and Little Saigon. Through these upgrades, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is advancing the goals outlined in the Seattle Transportation Plan (STP) and Vision Zero Action Plan. Both initiatives prioritize eliminating traffic-related injuries and creating safer, more accessible public spaces for everyone.
Project Schedule
Construction: Construction is scheduled to begin as soon as early 2026.
Please note, construction schedules are subject to change based on crew and material availability.
Funding
The project is partially funded by the 2024 Seattle Transportation Levy.