Route 40: Project Updates - June 5, 2026
Hello neighbors,
We are excited to share the latest update on the Route 40 TPMC project. A majority of the construction work has been completed. This includes paving, lane markings, infrastructure, and transit upgrades. Now we will pause construction from June 8 through July 6 for the FIFA Men's World Cup.
Before the pause begins, we’re working with contractor crews to make sure the project area is clean, accessible, and ready for visitors to enjoy neighborhood events this month, including the Solstice Parade, Fremont Fair, and FIFA Men’s World Cup activities.
In July, crews will return to Fremont to complete a few minor construction tasks.
We’ll continue monitoring traffic in Fremont and adjust signal timing as part of our regular work to help traffic move more smoothly. After lane marking changes, it usually takes a couple of months for traffic patterns to adjust.
Throughout the corridor, recent construction is helping make it safer and easier for people to walk, roll, bike and ride transit. These upgrades also support access to local businesses and strengthen important infrastructure that serves these neighborhoods every day.
Graphic showing the work that was done to upgrade critical infrastructure improvements above ground and underground on Fremont Ave N, between N 34th St and N 35th St .These improvements will help travelers and hundreds of businesses and residents in the Fremont neighborhood.. Image: SDOT
Here’s some work we’re excited to have completed:
- replacement of a 100-year-old water main serving more than 10 blocks and hundreds of businesses and residents in downtown Fremont
- new Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes
- more than 16 upgraded bus stops and two new stops
- traffic signal upgrades at nine intersections including two new signalized intersections
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15 new and upgraded crosswalks
- over 6,000 feet of upgraded sidewalks
- stormwater drainage improvements throughout the project area
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27 new street and pedestrian lights
- over 20,000 feet of electrical conduit for traffic signals and lighting
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Two blocks of new protected bike lanes in downtown Fremont
These upgrades are about more than construction. They help people move through the neighborhood more safely and easily every day so they can visit local businesses and have upgraded infrastructure to do their daily tasks for decades to come.
Faster and More Reliable Transit
The new dedicated transit lanes are designed to help Route 40 buses move past traffic and stay on schedule. This was a major ask from community members, and feedback showed strong support for bus-only lanes and Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes.
These bus lane improvements are expected to deliver:
- 5-10% transit travel-time reductions across the full route
- 14-17% transit travel-time savings between Ballard and downtown Seattle
These transit improvements mean faster and more reliable trips to local shops and restaurants, jobs, schools, services, and neighborhood destinations.
A new bus stop, upgraded sidewalks, and curb ramps on NW Leary Way, west of 15th Ave NW. These make it easier for travelers to visit local restaurants around the area. Image: SDOT
Better Drainage and Stronger Infrastructure
Stormwater drainage improvements help move water off the street more effectively. That means less standing water during wet weather, which helps protect streets, sidewalks, and other infrastructure from damage over time. Along with the replacement of the 100-year-old water main in downtown Fremont, this work supports more reliable infrastructure for residents and businesses.
New curbs, sidewalks, and street pavement providing smoother travel for people to visit local stores and restaurants. Before and after photo on Fremont Pl N and Evanston Ave N looking west. Photo: SDOT
Safer Access for People Walking and Rolling
New sidewalks give people more space to walk through the neighborhood and visit local shops, restaurants, and services while bringing more foot traffic and energy to local businesses. Upgraded ADA curb ramps make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities, including customers using wheelchairs, scooters, strollers or other mobility devices—to access their favorite destinations. Crosswalk and signal upgrades also help people cross the street more safely, making it more welcoming for everyone to shop, dine, and explore the area.
Upgraded sidewalks and curb ramps create a safer, more comfortable walking experience for people traveling through the heart of Fremont. Photo: SDOT
Crossing Improvements
New crossing upgrades are making it safer and easier to get across the street throughout the corridor. Improved pedestrian signals, traffic signals, and crosswalks help make crossings more visible and more predictable for everyone. Curb bulb bump outs have been added at key locations, increasing visibility for people crossing and drivers, while reducing the distance needed to cross the street.
These improvements support safer trips for people who are walking, rolling, biking and taking transit. They also help people reach bus stops, connect to neighborhood destinations, and visit local businesses with more confidence.
Crossing upgrades throughout Fremont are creating safer, more comfortable connections between transit, local businesses, and neighborhood destinations. Photo: SDOT
Community members use a new crosswalk on NW Market St, part of a series of improvements designed to make walking and rolling safer and more accessible. Photo: SDOT
Better Bike Connections in Fremont
New bike lanes in Fremont help create a safer and more comfortable connection for people traveling by bike. They support access to neighborhood businesses and make it easier to connect with the larger bike network. In 2025, the Fremont Bridge bicycle counter recorded more than 1 million bike and scooter trips in a single year, the first time since the pandemic that the count has topped one million. This makes the corridor one of the most heavily biked in Seattle and highlights why safe bike connections matter for the whole community.
Two cyclists head north on Fremont Ave N using the new protected bike lanes in the Fremont neighborhood. Photo: SDOT
Thank you for your patience and support as this work continues. Each improvement now in place helps maintain our essential infrastructure and build a safer, more connected, and more reliable Route 40 corridor for everyone who lives, works, shops, and travels here.
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Phone: (206) 775-8731 (leave a voicemail and we will return your call)
Our project team is in close coordination with the following projects. Please visit their project webpage to see the latest update:
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اذا تريد ترجمة هذه المعلومات, يرجى الاتصال برقم
206-775-8731
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact us at Route40@seattle.gov
Sincerely,
Jules Posadas
Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Project
(206) 775-8731
Route40@seattle.gov
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