Updated: From SDOT:
A contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation began painting the Ballard Bridge today. The contractor has closed the sidewalk on the east side of the Ballard Bridge to allow that side of the bridge to be painted. Starting Monday, November 21 the contractor plans to also close one northbound, general traffic lane of the bridge. These closures are expected to remain in place for up to six weeks. When the east side of the bridge is completed, the contractor will switch to the west side.
Get ready for traffic back-ups across the Ballard Bridge.
The Seattle Department of Transportation has announced that the contractor painting the “bascule” portion of the bridge will begin this week. Once underway the project will close one northbound lane and the east sidewalk everyday for up to six weeks During the following six weeks, one southbound lane and west sidewalk will be closed.
The approaches at each end of the bridge were painted last year. This current project is expected to be completed by February 2012.