Ballard Bridge repaving project design now complete, construction to start soon

Meghan Walker Ballard

SDOT has completed the final design for the 15th Ave NW and Ballard Bridge paving project.

The final design includes more safety improvements, including bike and pedestrian signals and new lighting on the bridge.

Here’s a full list of the new design elements (from SDOT):

  • Install a new bike and pedestrian signal and crosswalk at NW 51st St, making it easier to walk, roll, or bike around the neighborhood and connecting people to Ballard businesses, attractions, and transit.
  • Replace a southbound lane on 15th Ave NW with a new landscaped median between NW 50th St and NW 54th St to calm driver speeds and reduce the likelihood of serious crashes.
  • Add a new southbound transit lane with red “bus only” markings on 15th Ave NW between NW 54th St and NW Market St.     
  • Add a new southbound transit lane with red “bus only” markings on 15th Ave NW between Leary Way NW and NW Ballard Way.
  • Improve and add new lighting under the bridge along Leary Way NW and on the pedestrian path near the intersection of 15th Ave NW and W Nickerson St.  

SDOT says the project is to improve traffic and freight along the corridor and to make the RapidRide D bus line more reliable.

Along with the above new enhancements, SDOT plans to:

  • Pave 15th Ave W/NW from W Emerson St to NW 57th St including the fixed portions of the Ballard Bridge.
  • Replace worn out bridge expansion joints to maintain smooth transitions between paving panels.
  • Improve earthquake safety by strengthening the north end of the Ballard Bridge (also called the Leary Bridge).
  • Add red “bus only” lane markings to the existing northbound bus lane on 15th Ave NW between NW 51st St and NW Market St
  • Add a new southbound transit lane with red “bus only” markings on 15th Ave NW between NW 54th St and NW Market St.
  • Add a new southbound transit lane with red “bus only” markings on 15th Ave NW between Leary Way NW and NW Ballard Way.

SDOT says construction preparation will start at the end of the year, with the project planned to be in full swing by early 2024.

Renderings courtesy SDOT