Truck Lanes: Improving Seattle Traffic Flow

xetaidesign April 4, 2025No Comments

Truck lanes are being considered in Seattle to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. This article analyzes two options for expanding bus-only lanes on Rainier Ave S, aiming to enhance public transportation efficiency and reduce travel times.

What are Bus-Only Lanes?

Bus-only lanes, also known as dedicated bus lanes or bus priority lanes, are lanes specifically designed for public transportation vehicles like buses. Utilizing these lanes helps buses avoid traffic congestion, ensuring stable schedules and shortening travel times for passengers.

Rainier Ave S Bus-Only Lane Expansion Project

The project is divided into two phases:

Phase 1 (completed July 2022): Northbound bus-only lane between S Alaska St and S Walden St, and southbound lane between S Oregon St and S Edmunds St have been installed.
Phase 2 (community outreach in 2022): Expanding the northbound bus-only lane on Rainier Ave S to S Grand St is under consideration. Two options are being evaluated:
- Option 1: A northbound bus-only lane, a general-purpose lane, and a two-way center turn lane between S Walden St and S Grand St. Rendering of Option 1
- Option 2: A northbound bus-only lane between S Walden St and S Grand St, maintaining two northbound lanes and removing the two-way center turn lane between S Grand St and S College St. Rendering of Option 2 from S Grand to S CollegeRendering of Option 2 from S College to S Walden

Benefits of the Project

Improves the reliability of public transportation.
Reduces travel times, especially during peak hours.
Provides convenient connections to public transportation hubs.
Contributes to achieving the city’s climate and equity goals.

Impact on Traffic

The project may have some impacts on traffic, including:

Potential for traffic diversion onto neighborhood streets.
Travel times for drivers traveling northbound on Rainier Ave S may increase.

Truck and Bicycle Lanes

While cyclists are permitted to use bus-only lanes, it is important to note that buses frequently stop and move within these lanes. There are currently no plans to build dedicated bike lanes on Rainier Ave S.

Conclusion

The Rainier Ave S bus-only lane expansion project is an important step in improving the public transportation system in Seattle. Choosing the optimal option will require careful consideration of the benefits and impacts on other modes of transportation.

Map of the project area