How long to lid I-5 between Capitol Hill and downtown? Years and years and years but the plan is being shaped now

The Lid I-5 project is a significant urban initiative in Seattle, aimed at covering the I-5 freeway between Capitol Hill and downtown, and it has recently received a $2. 2 million funding boost from the U. S. Department of Transportation and the state legislature. This undertaking is driven by the need to alleviate noise and pollution while reconnecting neighborhoods that have been fragmented by the freeway.

John Feit, co-chair of the Lid I-5 steering committee, underlines the necessity of community involvement in defining the vision for the urban design of the area. The committee plans to host various events to solicit public input on potential developments on the lid, which may encompass parks, affordable housing, and commercial spaces. This comes at a time when Seattle is grappling with housing shortages and other urban challenges. Although the Washington Department of Transportation will finalize its master plan in 2029, the early stages of planning are focused on engaging the community. Feit's perspective highlights that urban development should address multiple issues simultaneously, promoting a holistic approach to city improvement.

The Lid I-5 initiative is seen as a promising step toward reimagining urban spaces and fostering community connection.