I-90 / Judkins Park Station Near-Term Crossing Improvements

August 2026

What’s happening now?

We've completed construction of raised crosswalks and installation of rapid flashing beacons at three I-90 on- and off-ramps on Rainier Ave S in spring 2026.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) recently conducted a before-and-after speed study to understand the effect of these crossing improvements. The study shows a small reduction in average speeds after the raised crosswalks and flashing beacons were installed. Even better, the results show a dramatic drop in the highest speeds recorded at each ramp.

Highlights include:

Average speeds for vehicles at all three crosswalks are below 26mph. For reference, the speed limit on Rainier Avenue South is 25 mph.
85% of all vehicles traveled slower than 28 mph.
The top speed at the crosswalk for the westbound I-90 off-ramp to southbound Rainier Avenue South dropped 45%, from 71 mph to 39 mph.
The top speed at the crosswalk for the northbound Rainier Avenue South on-ramp to eastbound I-90 dropped 32%, from 68 mph to 46 mph.

The top speeds are the most challenging for people who bike, walk, roll or drive in the neighborhood. These changes in top speeds increase safety for all modes of travel.

Photo showing new raised crossing at I-90 on-ramp on Rainier Ave S.
New raised crossing at I-90 on-ramp on Rainier Ave S.

Project Overview

We heard the need to improve safety and accessibility at the on- and off-ramps along Rainier Ave S from community members, transit riders, and through the advocacy of Disability Rights Washington and others. We worked with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to make some near-term crossing and accessibility improvements at Rainier Ave S. The project scope included raised crosswalks, flashing beacons, and flexible bollards (“tuff curb”) at three locations where sidewalks cross highway ramps adjacent to the new station entrances on Rainier Ave S in addition to signal changes to make it easier for pedestrians crossing Rainier Ave S at the new crosswalk just south of I-90.

Project Map

This project added raised crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and rapid flashing beacons at the westbound I-90 off-ramp and the eastbound I-90 on-ramp on the west side of Rainier Ave S.

New protected left turn signal for eastbound I-90 off-ramp and raised crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and rapid flashing beacons at the eastbound I-90 on-ramp.

The project included intermediate height raised crossings to accommodate freight and emergency response needs.

Project Background

Rainier Ave S is an important and busy arterial used by freight, cars, some of the highest bus ridership in the city, and pedestrians. It also connects to I-90 through various on- and off-ramps. Community members and transportation advocates have expressed safety concerns for pedestrian crossings at these ramps. This project was developed in response to these community requests for better crossings at this location.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is leading work on the I-90/Judkins Park Station—Reconnecting Communities study, which is focused on a long-term reconfiguration of the I-90 ramps along Rainier Ave S. However, this work will take longer to complete, so we also worked with them on near-term crossing improvements.

Schedule

We completed design in December 2024. Construction was completed in spring 2026.

Funding

This project was funded through a partnership of the SDOT Vision Zero program and WSDOT.

Nearby Projects

Rainier Ave S Bus Lane (in construction)
I-90/Judkins Park Station—Reconnecting Communities study (WSDOT)
RapidRide R Line (King County Metro)
Judkins Park Station Access Project (completed)
MLK Jr Way Safety Project (completed)

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