Chinatown-International District & Little Saigon Pedestrian Lighting Project

Updated October 3, 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.

Design work is now complete, and construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026.

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. 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.