SDOT releases detour map for upcoming Ballard Bridge closures

Meghan Walker Ballard

The Ballard Bridge weekend closures are coming up soon, and SDOT has released a map with detour information for drivers and buses.

SDOT crews are closing the bridge to complete maintenance work on the 107-year-old bridge. They’ll be replacing worn expansion joints, which is part of scheduled maintenance in the 15th Ave W/NW & Ballard Bridge Paving & Safety Project. 

Ballard Bridge closure dates

The bridge will be closed the following dates:

  • September 13 – 16, 2024  
  • September 27 – 30, 2024  
  • October 4 – 7, 2024  
  • October 11 – 14, 2024  
  • October 18 – 21, 2024 

Lane closures may begin as early as 7 p.m. on Fridays, with the bridge fully closed at 10 p.m. The bridge is expected to reopen by approximately 5 a.m. the following Monday.  

Ballard Bridge detours

From SDOT:

If you drive …   

Please use the Aurora Bridge (SR 99). See map below for the detour map. If possible, please walk, bike, or take the bus to reduce traffic.   

If you take the bus …   

The stops just north and south of the bridge for the D Line and #17 may be moved. Please see signs at the stops for new locations and sign up for King County Metro alerts for updates.   

If you bike, walk, or roll …    

SDOT will keep the path on bridge open on at least one side as long as it is safe. If you can’t get to side that’s open, or if both sides are closed, please take the D Line bus.   

SDOT recognizes that closing the Ballard Bridge can affect your travel plans. They appreciate your patience and understanding.  

Ballard Bridge closure and detour map

Ballard Bridge Closure Detour Map
Map showing the location of the upcoming Ballard Bridge weekend closures. Graphic: SDOT 
Ballard Bridge Closure Dates
Upcoming weekend closure dates for the Ballard Bridge in September and October 2024. Graphic: SDOT 

Construction updates on 15th Ave NW

Construction area map as of August 29, 2024

From SDOT:

Crews continue to work on 15th Ave NW between NW 56th St and NW Market St and have extended their work area south to the NW 54th St intersection. Crews will upgrade the ADA accessible ramps, rebuild sidewalk corners, install upgraded traffic signals and cameras, and repair the sidewalk and roadway in select areas.    

Starting after Labor Day weekend, crews are planning overnight work in several areas: 

  • Asphalt grinding and overlay paving on 15th Ave NW between NW 57th St and NW Market St is planned for September 4-11. 
  • Drainage work at the 15th Ave NW and NW 50th intersection is planned for September 5-13. 

What to expect   

  • Construction is typically scheduled Mondays – Fridays from 7 AM – 5 PM. The bulk of the overnight work will be from 7 PM – 5 AM.  
  • Overnight work is noisy but within allowable noise levels. You may hear loud humming and a sound like a big vacuum. You may also feel mild vibrations.   
  • We will close driving lanes on 15th Ave NW and NW Market St near work areas. There will always be at least one lane open in each direction. The turn lanes will remain open at intersections.  
  • We will close the sidewalk in work areas. There will be detour signs in place to direct you around construction.   
  • We will close NW 57th St, NW 56th St, NW 54th St, and NW 50th St to thru traffic as needed between 17th Ave NW and 14th Ave NW. You will still be able to walk, roll, bike, or drive to businesses and homes on these streets.   
  • We will temporarily move the D Line bus stops at 15th Ave NW and NW Market St. Please see bus stops for new locations and/or sign up for transit alerts.   
  • We will temporarily change parking in some areas for construction staging and traffic control near work sites.  

Photo: SDOT