Mercer Corridor Project

The “Mercer Mess” is a major bottleneck in the Seattle area, hindering access to Seattle’s fastest growing neighborhood, South Lake Union. The existing Mercer Street and Valley Street couplet were constructed in the late 1950s as a temporary solution to outdated traffic problems. After more than 40 years of debate, Seattle is ready to fix the Mercer Mess.

We have secured $140 million, including $31.4 million through private contributions. Our TIGER Grant Application for $50 million is the last piece of the puzzle that will build improvements including widening Mercer to create a two-way boulevard, reconstructing Valley Street as a local access street, providing new and wider sidewalks, improving connections to transit and adding bicycle lanes. The project replaces major utility infrastructure and integrates many environmentally friendly and sustainable design features. It supports the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project (SR 99) and rebuilds the street grid in South Lake Union.

The Mercer Corridor Project is shovel-ready.