Pike Place Market Launches Vehicle Access Pilot to Support Market Businesses on April 23
An Innovative Partnership to Explore Limited Vehicle Access and Support Walk-Friendly Streets
Seattle, WA – Starting Wednesday, April 23, Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) is launching a limited vehicle access pilot, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, Councilmember Bob Kettle, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), and key city stakeholders. The initiative aims to address essential street function and congestion during Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU) ongoing construction project on Pike Place.
“This pilot is the result of deep collaboration between the Market community and our city partners” said Rachel Ligtenberg, Executive Director of Pike Place Market PDA. “We’re incredibly grateful to Mayor Harrell, SDOT, and all involved for recognizing how essential this street is to the day-to-day operations of Pike Place Market, and for working with us to find practical solutions.”
This limited vehicle access pilot is not a full street closure. It allows authorized vehicles to access Pike Place and restricts non-essential traffic—such as visitor pass-throughs and rideshares—access at 1st and Pike. This pilot is intended to preserve essential street functions for the business and residential community while increasing safety and reducing congestion. This “test and learn” approach aims to improve street operations and inform long-term planning without fully closing the street.
“This will be a learning experience for everyone” Ligtenberg added. “We’re committed to monitoring the pilot closely, making real-time adjustments as needed, and ensuring the street continues to work for the people who rely on it most. We’re so thankful to have such strong partners helping us support the 500 small businesses that make Pike Place Market the iconic destination it is.”
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell praised the effort:
“Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic and beloved public spaces—home to generations of small businesses, workers, and community traditions. As we head into the warmer months and get ready for FIFA Club Cup this summer, this new pilot will make it more inviting and comfortable than ever for residents and visitors to walk around our cherished Pike Place Market. I applaud the Market for taking this step and piloting this new approach for people who live in and visit the neighborhood. The City of Seattle will continue to be a partner in evaluating this effort and always striving to create an inviting, welcoming space.”
Adiam Emery, Interim Director of Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), added:
“We are excited to support Pike Place Market PDA as they try new ways to create a more welcoming space for everyone while supporting local businesses and ensuring accessibility for people with mobility challenges. As Downtown Seattle foot traffic continues to grow, it’s a perfect moment to test out innovative solutions, gather valuable insights, and collaborate with the community to create a thoughtful, forward-thinking plan to make Pike Place Market and this street work even better for everyone.”
Councilmember Bob Kettle emphasized the importance of community involvement:
“Pike Place Market is a living, working part of our city, and I’ve always believed that decisions about its future should be shaped by the people who know it best—the Market community itself,” said Councilmember Bob Kettle. “This pilot reflects that thoughtful, community-driven approach. It’s a smart step forward to better understand how we can preserve essential functions, reduce congestion, promote safety, and keep the street working for the people who rely on it every day. As we test and learn, I’m committed to staying connected with the Market.”
Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins emphasized the importance of emergency accessibility:
“Maintaining clear emergency access is essential in areas like Pike Place Market, where so many people live, work, and visit every day. We appreciate the collaborative efforts behind this pilot to keep the Market accessible for first responders, while also supporting safety and mobility for the broader community. This kind of coordination is key to ensuring public safety and the day-to-day operations of such a vital and historic part of our city.”
Seattle Human Services Director Tanya Kim highlighted accessibility needs:
“Balancing historic preservation with modern accessibility is never easy—especially in iconic spaces like Pike Place Market. This pilot is a thoughtful step toward achieving that balance. It improves public safety and access while ensuring the needs of people with disabilities and mobility challenges are front and center. That includes residents of nearby assisted living facilities, older adults attending Pike Market Senior Center programs, and even visitors navigating the Market with strollers or temporary injuries.”
This is the time to visit Pike Place Market. With the brand-new Overlook Walk now open, shoppers can enjoy a stunning pedestrian connection between Seattle’s waterfront and the heart of the Market. As the city moves into the warmer months, Pike Place Market comes alive with vibrant seasonal produce, fresh-cut flowers, and outdoor dining experiences that highlight the best of local food, plus handmade art and one-of-a-kind shopping. Whether exploring as a traveler or returning as a local, there’s always something new to discover at this iconic Seattle destination.
What’s Changing Starting April 23
To support the continued operation of businesses during construction, which SPU estimates will take through the end of July, vehicle entry at 1st Ave & Pike St will be limited to:
- Emergency and ADA
- Commercial deliveries and pickups
- Business loading and unloading
- Customer curbside pickup for orders made in advance
Signage and an SDOT flagger posted at the corner of Pike St will help guide vehicles and enforce permitted use at the intersection.
Additional traffic guidance includes:
- No northbound left turn from 1st Ave and Pike St to enter Pike Pl
- Parking enforcement will begin at 6am daily to maintain access to essential loading zones.
- No long-term parking between 6am-6pm on Pike Place, exempting ADA-permitted vehicles
A new webpage to inform visitors—“Know Before You Go”—is now available at PikePlaceMarket.org/Traffic This page will provide updates, maps, and frequently asked questions as they come in and guidelines for anyone visiting the Market during the pilot period.
This pilot program was built on a strong breadth of collaborative community input. Earlier this month, the PDA hosted a cross-sector planning meeting as part of its broader 50-year Master Plan strategy implementation with representatives from Market businesses, Councilmember Kettle, SDOT, city officials, and neighborhood organizations. The PDA and Market businesses demonstrated how vital this street is for emergency access, deliveries, loading, and daily operations—establishing a foundation for exploring how the street can be better utilized while preserving these essential services. The group then engaged in a productive brainstorming session focused on realistic, community-first solutions.
The PDA is currently compiling feedback from that session and community drop-in sessions to create a comprehensive street management plan, which will be shared with the Mayor’s Office, SDOT, and Market stakeholders before a broader community release.
Pike Place Market Parking Garage
While vehicle access to Pike Place is temporarily limited, visitors are encouraged to use the Market’s on-site parking garage. The garage offers convenient, covered parking with direct elevator access that brings guests right up into the heart of the Market—just steps away from their favorite shops, farm and artisan offerings, restaurants, and fresh food vendors. For maps, rates, and driving directions, visit PikePlaceMarket.org/Parking-Directions
Southbound Access to the Market Garage
Northbound Access to the Market Garage
About Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority
The nine-acre historic district is maintained and operated by the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA), a not-for-profit public corporation created by the City of Seattle in 1973. The PDA supports the Market’s remarkable community by increasing farm and food retailing opportunities, supporting small and marginal businesses, and providing services for low-income individuals. In addition, PDA helps protect the essence of the Market by preserving, rehabilitating and maintaining the buildings within the Market. PikePlaceMarket.org
About Seattle Department of Transportation
The City of Seattle is committed to serving its community and visitors by fostering accessible and reliable transportation. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) plays a key role in maintaining streets, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure. SDOT works to ensure safe and efficient mobility for all residents and visitors. Seattle.gov/Transportation
Media Contacts
Pike Place Market PDA
Madison Douglas, Director of Marketing & Communications
Madison.Douglas@PikePlaceMarket.org
Office of the Mayor
Jamie Housen, Director of Communications
Jamie.Housen@Seattle.gov