In a move that will likely be a tough pill for Seattle urbanists to swallow, the current pedestrian pilot at Pike Place Market is set to get scaled back to three days a week in October, as the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) tries to find an equilibrium that pleases all stakeholders at the Market. SDOT's proposal would only implement "soft closures" of Pike Place between Pike Street and Virginia Street from 11am to 4pm Friday through Sunday, with "hard closures" with full barricades only implemented during special events.

Outside those weekend and event days, at least through March 31, all vehicles would be allowed to use the corridor without restrictions. According to SDOT's proposal, set to be presented to the Pike Place Market Historical Commission next week, new signage will instruct drivers to yield to pedestrians, with many of the barriers added to manage the busy street through the FIFA World Cup removed.

On Monday through Thursday throughout the fall and winter Pike Place would have no restrictions on entry, in SDOT's latest proposal for the pedestrian pilot's next phase. (SDOT) The current pilot program restricts vehicles simply wishing to drive through the street from accessing Pike Place from 10am to 4pm daily, and has been a smashing success by most metrics. Sales data shows increased business and a jump in visitors, especially locals heading to the Market more often. But it hasn't been viewed as a positive change by many inside the Market, including a substantial slice of business owners and Market advocates.