The City of Seattle has been undertaking major improvements for the Seattle waterfront. After removal of the Alaskan Way viaduct, the multi-year Seattle Waterfront project could begin. Construction has just begun on one of the most exciting elements of the waterfront improvement project: the Overlook Walk. The walkway is projected to be completed by 2025, for a total cost of $70 million.
Read on for all the exciting details about the upcoming waterfront walkway!
Below you can see a bird’s-eye view of what the Seattle waterfront will look like with the new pedestrian walkway that will be elevated above the street:
The Overlook Walk will have a winding ramp that connects it to Pike Place Market. Native vegetation will line the ramp and the entire walkway, adding lush greenery to the waterfront.
Ultimately, pedestrians will be able to go from Pike Place Market to the waterfront (and vice versa) without having to navigate crossing the busy street of Alaskan Way. The elevated walkway of Overlook Walk will make the waterfront and downtown area of Seattle much more pedestrian-friendly, particularly for families and those with disabilities. Gradual slopes and a new elevator will make the waterfront more accessible than ever.
Speaking of families, Overlook Walk will also feature a recreation area with slides for young children. In tandem with the playground planned for the new and improved Pier 58, the Seattle waterfront will become a fun-filled destination for families with children.
As you can see in the image above, steps will lead to the waterfront park promenade. There will be plenty of seating as well as food and beverages available for purchase. And in the rendering below, you can get a first look at the panoramic view that visitors to the waterfront will have of Elliott Bay and the Olympics from the top of the walkway.
Another cool aspect of the Overlook Walk project is its physical connection to the Seattle Aquarium’s upcoming Ocean Pavilion, which is anticipated to open in 2024. This new arm of the aquarium will have a publicly-accessible rooftop park that will connect to the Overlook Walk, making the waterfront, aquarium, and Pike Place Market seamlessly connected and easily accessible to all.
For more information, you can visit the Seattle Waterfront website.