Public art installed at Ship Canal Water Quality construction sites

Work is well underway at the Central and East Ballard Ship Canal Water Quality project sites, with temporary art installations now featured at both.

At 24th and Shilshole, artists Hinojos & Jimenez have installed their piece titled Chaac, named for the Maya god of rain.

“This piece emulates the great carved stone masks that can be found on the pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The masks were made of stone carved into intricate shapes which were assembled together to form the powerful visage of the god. Chaac had both human and animal characteristics, showing the interdependence of all living things and their relationship to life-giving water. It illustrates the natural cycle of the flow of water, as it originates in the clouds, where Chaac strikes his jade axe and causes thunder and rain, to where it falls on the land, is crucial. Water infrastructure will safeguard our environment for future generations.

Artist Katie Miller designed the public art on the East Ballard site; it’s called Crossing, and is inspired by the region’s maritime industry.

by Katie Miller
by Katie Miller

Seattle Public Utilities says the pier at the 24th Ave NW street end will remain open until further notice, despite ongoing construction for the Ship Canal Water Quality Project next door.

Slurry wall construction will continue at the Central Ballard site through September; SPU says to expect the following:

  • Heavy truck traffic on Shilshole Ave NW and 24th Ave NW; please pay attention to flaggers.
  • Parking restrictions along the east side of 24th Ave NW so construction trucks can exit the work site.
  • Noise and vibrations related to excavation and concrete pours.
  • Longer than normal working hours; crews will be working nights and weekends. Noise levels will be monitored.
East Ballard site

Soil stabilization continues at the East Ballard site; SPU says residents and businesses should expect the following through late December:

  • NW 45th St to be closed to traffic; vehicles must detour onto NW 46th St.
  • 11th Ave NW to allow two-way traffic via one lane controlled by flaggers during work hours.
  • Burke-Gilman Trail users to be detoured to the north side of NW 45th St; flaggers to help direct traffic. Please follow all detour guidance on site. Bicyclists must cross train tracks at 90-degree angles.
  • Noise and vibrations typical of a construction site.

To stay updated on the project, visit SPU’s website.

4 thoughts to “Public art installed at Ship Canal Water Quality construction sites”

    1. I walked by the boats yesterday and they are cool. Nice to see the city trying to inject something nice into the neighborhood while people inject themselves in the blocks nearby.

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