Dexter Ave N and John St Traffic Signal Project
Updated: May 12, 2026
What's Happening Now?
In the next few weeks, we will be installing a paint and post, centerline median on Dexter Ave N at the intersection of John St. We will also be installing a crosswalk on the south side of the intersection. This median will be in place at this high collision intersection until a new signal is installed. We expect to install the signal as soon as late 2027.
These improvements are intended to immediately enhance safety by eliminating turning conflicts, clarifying travel paths, and providing people walking and biking with more predictable and visible crossing conditions.
If you have any questions about the project, please email our project inbox at VZ_HighCollisionLocations@seattle.gov.
If you'd like to learn more about the project, call (206) 233-2194. You can ask for information in your preferred language. Tell us the English name of the language you'd like to communicate in when you call. We offer translation and interpretation for free.
Project Area
This project is located at the intersection of Dexter Ave N and John St in the South Lake Union neighborhood with Denny Park to its immediate southeast.
Overview
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is making it safer for all users to travel through South Lake Union, one of Seattle’s busiest downtown neighborhoods.
The intersection of Dexter Ave N and John St currently has stop signs only on John St. Dexter Ave N has painted bike lanes, and there is only a crosswalk on the north side of the intersection.
During early planning, we looked at several options to improve safety at this intersection. A roundabout was considered, but the space is too limited to safely separate people biking from vehicle traffic. We also evaluated an all-way stop, but high pedestrian activity, traffic volumes, and nearby traffic signals made that option less effective. After completing a traffic signal study and reviewing pedestrian volumes and collision history, we determined that a new traffic signal is the best way to improve safety for everyone traveling through this area.
Why is this Project Important?
The Dexter Ave N and John St Traffic Signal Project supports our Vision Zero goal to end traffic deaths and serious injuries. From 2022 through 2024, this intersection has seen a rise in crashes involving westbound versus southbound vehicles. Over the last three years there have been eight vehicle collisions causing property damage, six vehicle collisions leading to injury, and one serious injury collision involving someone driving and someone walking. Notably, eleven of the fifteen total collisions occurred in 2024 alone, highlighting the timely need for safety improvements at this location.
Near Term Project Design
This project will be built in two phases. In the near term, we will install a paint and post centerline median that will restrict eastbound/ westbound vehicle movement on John St until the new traffic signal is in place. We will also add a crosswalk on the south side of the intersection to improve safety for people walking.
Example of a paint and post, centerline median at Dexter Ave N and Thomas St. (SDOT photo)
Timeline
Near-term improvements will be installed before June 8, 2026.
The signal will be installed as soon as late 2027.
Nearby Projects
Harrison Mercer Transit Access Project