Ship Canal Water Quality project construction starts in East Ballard

Construction on the project to help collect stormwater runoff from entering the Ship Canal has begun in East Ballard, as crews build a detour for the Burke-Gilman Trail and prepare the site.

The work is happening right next to Fred Meyer, on 11th Ave NW and NW 45th St. Seattle Public Utilities says crews will pour asphalt to create the two-way Burke-Gilman detour on the north side of NW 45th St. They say the detour could start as early as next week.

SPU says crews will also be doing soil stabilization work, which includes removing the sidewalk on the south side of NW 45th St and diverting traffic onto the west shoulder of 11th Ave NW.

The East Ballard site will eventually be home to a 60-foot deep, 10-foot diameter vertical shaft to carry sewage to the new storage tunnel. The tunnel will span the Ship Canal from Wallingford to Ballard, collecting stormwater runoff before it enters the canal.

Over the next few weeks, SPU says you should anticipate:

• Closure of the eastbound lane of NW 45th St between 9th and 11th Avenues NW 24/7. Eastbound traffic will be directed to use the westbound travel lane. Westbound traffic will be detoured onto NW 46th St. Please pay attention to flaggers and signage on site. 
• 11th Ave NW, north of Fred Meyer’s driveway, will be reduced to one lane with two-way traffic. During the day, two-way traffic will be maintained by flaggers on site. In the evening, electronic signals will be used to direct traffic.
• A detour of the Burke-Gilman Trail to the north side of NW 45th St. Two-way bike traffic will be maintained. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be directed to cross NW 45th St NW at 90-degree angles at 11th Ave NW and 9th Ave NW. Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic during daytime work hours. In the evening, traffic will be directed by electronic signals in the intersections. Please use caution. Bicyclists should cross the railroad tracks slowly and at 90-degree angles.
• Noise and vibrations typical of a construction site.

To learn more about the project, visit SPU’s website.