Ballard Bridge to scheduled to close Nov. 22 to 25 for maintenance

Meghan Walker Ballard

The next Ballard Bridge closure is schedule for the weekend of Nov. 22 to 25.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) had planned to close the bridge this weekend (Nov. 15-18) but they need dry weather to complete the work.

Next weekend’s closure is also subject to weather—SDOT will make a decision next Thursday or Friday about whether to go ahead with the closure as planned.

It’s been a series of false starts on the bridge work—SDOT had also planned to close the bridge to complete the work last week, but that was also canceled due to rain.

SDOT says work continues north of the Ballard Bridge on 15th Ave NW and NW Market St and NW Leary Way (see map below).

Map of construction along 15th Ave NW, which is described below

Construction on 15th Ave NW

SDOT says crews continue to work along 15th Ave NW at NW Market St, NW 52nd St, NW 51st St, NW 50th St, NW 49th St, and Leary Way NW. They’re upgrading ADA accessible ramps, rebuilding sidewalk corners, installing upgraded traffic signals and cameras, improving storm drainage, and repairing the sidewalk and roadway in select areas.

Person runs a backhoe to dig up concrete on an old sidewalk. Another person drives a second backhoe that carries broken concrete away.
Crews break up old concrete in preparation for new sidewalks on the east side of 15th Ave NW between NW 52nd St and NW 51st St. (SDOT)

At NW 51st St, crews are continuing with electrical and signal lighting work for the new pedestrian and bicycle crossing. SDOT says crews are also continuing with electrical work at Leary Way NW and they will soon begin work to strengthen and improve earthquake safety on the Leary Way Bridge.  

Person runs a backhoe to dig a trench in the road, two other people in construction vests and hard hats stand on either side of the new trench.
Crews dig a trench across Leary Way NW on the east side of 15th Ave NW for an underground electrical conduit to upgrade traffic signals. (SDOT)

SDOT says to expect the following:

  • Construction is typically scheduled Mondays – Fridays from 7 AM – 5 PM.  
  • We will close driving lanes on 15th Ave NW near work areas and on Leary Way NW beneath and near the bridge. There will always be at least one lane open in each direction.  
  • We will close the sidewalk in work areas. There will be detour signs in place to direct you around construction.   
  • We will close streets 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 bus stops for the D Line at 15th Ave NW and NW Market St. Bus stops for the D Line, Route 17, and Route 40 at 15th Ave NW and Leary Way NW may also be temporarily moved. Please see signs at 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. 
November calendar page showing that the Ballard Bridge is scheduled to be closed Friday, November 22 through Monday, November 25.

You can stay updated on the 15th Ave W/NW and Ballard Bridge Paving and Safety Project by signing up for email updates. 

Photo of Ballard Bridge by SDOT