15th Ave NW work continues with new striping planned for Ballard Bridge

Meghan Walker Ballard

Work is continuing just north of the Ballard Bridge on 15th Ave NW, where crews will be upgrading traffic signals, cameras, and ADA ramps.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) also plans to re-stripe the Ballard Bridge after hearing from the community that it’s difficult to see the road stripes in rain and at night. SDOT has installed some temporary reflective pavement markings until they can paint new stripes when the weather warms up.

The current work on 15th Ave NW is happening between NW 51st St and NW Ballard Way. SDOT says work will happen Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional driving lane closures. There are some closures to cross streets on either side of 15th Ave NW including NW 51st St, NW 50th St, and NW 49th St (see map below). 

Here’s what’s happening on 15th Ave NW (from SDOT):

Crews continue to work along 15th Ave NW between NW 51st St and NW Ballard Way. Starting the week of February 10 and continuing through the month, crews will begin working along the west side of NW 49th St. This construction will upgrade ADA accessible ramps, rebuild sidewalk corners, install upgraded traffic signals and cameras, improve storm drainage, and repair the sidewalk and roadway in select areas. At NW 51st St, crews continue electrical and signal lighting work for the new pedestrian and bicycle crossing.  

Crews are also continuing work to strengthen and improve earthquake safety on the Leary Way Bridge. There will be partial sidewalk and lane closures related to this work. Driving lanes between NW 49th St and Leary Way NW will continue to be restricted to demolish and build new concrete roadway panels. 

What to Expect  

  • 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. 

To stay updated on the project, you can sign up for news here.

Photo: Crews prepare the foundation for a new signal pole at NW 51st St. (SDOT)