Construction update for 15th Ave NW improvements

Meghan Walker Ballard

The project to repave and add safety upgrades to 15th Ave NW continues this month, with lane and sidewalk closures planned for the coming weeks.

The 15th Ave W/NW and Ballard Bridge Paving and Safety Project, which has been ongoing for several months, will continue mainly on 15th Ave NW at NW Market St, NW 51st St, and NW Leary Way. The work includes 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.

And, at NW 51st St and NW Leary Way, crews are continuing electrical and signal lighting work for the new pedestrian and bicycle crossing.  

SDOT says crews are also working at the Leary Way Bridge at the north end of the Ballard Bridge to strengthen and improve earthquake safety—expect sidewalk closures in the area.

What to expect, from SDOT: 

  • 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 NW Leary Way 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.    
  • Bus stops for the D Line at 15th Ave NW and NW Market St are now open and will operate as normal. Bus stops for the D Line, Route 17, and Route 40 at 15th Ave NW and NW Leary Way may 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. 

There’s no current schedule for more Ballard Bridge closures, but we’ll update you with any new information.

Photo: Leary Way Bridge / SDOT