Terminal 5 Quiet Zone

In partnership with the Port of Seattle, the Northwest Seaport Alliance, and BNSF Railway, construction of the Terminal 5 Quiet Zone project is now complete. 

Project overview

The Terminal 5 Quiet Zone is part of the Northwest Seaport Alliance’s Terminal 5 Improvements Project. Terminal 5 opened in 2022, welcoming more shipping vessels for serving the Puget Sound region and beyond.  

The project includes closing some driveways near Terminal 5 so that trains don't need to use their horns as often, building new traffic signals to improve traffic flow, and upgrading safety equipment at railroad crossings, including adding crossing gates and fencing.

To provide safe and accessible ways for people biking and walking to destinations near Terminal 5, we’re also building a pedestrian path parallel to West Marginal Way SW where there is currently no sidewalk. 

A graphic showing the work area for the Terminal 5 Quiet Zone project. 

Project Schedule

We’re currently in the construction phase. The construction contractor, Merlino Construction, was selected for the project and is beginning construction this summer. 

Design: Completed in January 2023

Construction: Summer 2023 – Summer 2024 (Anticipated)

What to expect during construction

• Maintained access to businesses
• Temporary lane closures on West Marginal Way SW   
• Detours in place for people walking, biking, riding foot scooters, and driving to travel safely around work zones
• Temporary on-street parking restrictions, with "no park" signs placed 72 hours in advance
• Flaggers directing people driving, walking, and bicycling through detours around the work
• Typical construction equipment, materials, noise, workers, dust, vibrations and activity in the area during work hours
• Typical weekday work hours are 7 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday
• Weekend and night work as needed

Funding

This project is funded by the Northwest Seaport Alliance as part of its Terminal 5 Improvements Project.