Pike Place Market could reopen to vehicles Monday through Thursday, starting Oct. 1
Aug 20, 2026, 8:11 AM
The street to Pike Place Market is closed for a test run. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)
(Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)
Seattle wants to bring some vehicle traffic back to Pike Place Market this fall and winter.
First reported by KOMO News, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is pitching a new plan to reopen the street to cars on weekdays. The plan would allow vehicles all day, Monday through Thursday, starting Oct. 1. However, the city would limit access for most drivers on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons.
Specifically, the market would enter a “soft closure” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. A soft closure means only authorized vehicles would be allowed.
The University of Washington (UW) conducted a study on the market’s previous car-free pilot program, finding seasonal car limits are better than year-round restrictions. Researchers found visitors who travel to the market by car are more likely to visit from October through April than visitors arriving by other modes. UW researchers said allowing more cars during the slower winter months will help support the market’s businesses.
But when SDOT conducted a survey in June, 98% of more than 5,400 respondents supported vehicle barriers. Of the 224 market merchants and staff who filled out the survey, 96% supported it.
The Pike Place Market Historical Commission will need to approve SDOT’s plan. The city expects to propose a new, stricter traffic plan ahead of the busy spring and summer seasons.
‘Keep them cars away:’ Gee, Ursula excited for a car-free Pike Place Market
Seattle’s Pike Place Market entered into a “car-free program” throughout 2025 under former Mayor Bruce Harrell, after the Pike Place Market Preservation and Public Development Authority cited positive feedback and increased foot traffic.
“You don’t have to dodge delivery vans anymore while you’re picking out your peaches or your flowers,” KIRO host Ursula Reutin said. “And people seem to love this.”
Foot traffic was up more than 7% in 2025 compared to 2024, while multiple vendors said they have seen improvements in both their business and overall convenience. Vendors were initially worried that fewer people would shop at the market if they couldn’t drive there.
“Market leaders are not ready to say this is a forever thing,” Ursula said.
“Keep it. Keep it like it is. Keep them cars away,” KIRO host Gee Scott added. “I had a great, great experience going down to Pike Place. It was beautiful. No cars, just people, just moving. All about this is fantastic. Keep it. I know this pilot is going to continue.”
Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest
