SEATTLE — Pike Place Market could see some traffic again in the coming months.
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is pitching a new plan to reopen the street to cars on weekdays.
The proposal
Under SDOT’s proposal, cars would be allowed to return Monday through Thursday, starting on October 1. This would last through March 31, according to the pitch.
Then, the market would be in a ‘soft closure’ from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. This means only authorized vehicles, such as emergency responders and delivery trucks, would be allowed.
A car-less Pike Place
In spring of 2025, the tourist hotspot began testing out a vehicle ban – limiting who can access the Market at First Avenue and Pike Street. The goal was to make the area safer for pedestrians.
Earlier this year, the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) released data that shows foot traffic and sales have increased since the start of the pilot.
According to the study, there was a 5.6% increase in visitors from 2024 to 2025. The study also shows a 6.5% increase in commercial sales year-over-year.
Considering the idea
The Pike Place Market Historical Commission is scheduled to discuss the proposal to bring cars back to the market during its upcoming meeting on August 26.