CANCELED: Water shutoff scheduled this weekend in Fremont as part of Route 40 corridor upgrades

Meghan Walker Ballard

Update 6/9: Seattle Public Utilities has chosen to cancel the June 9 water shutoff due to “proximity to critical community services, including medical facilities.” They say they’ll reschedule the water shutoff but don’t yet have a date.

Original (6/3): Construction is set to begin this week on N 36th St at Dayton Ave N in Fremont as crews perform water valve upgrades, part of the  Route 40 Transit Plus Multimodal Corridor Project, coordinated by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).

Starting June 2, neighbors and commuters can expect delays and detours for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists while crews trench throughout the work zone. The project aims to improve water system reliability and flow, replacing a 100-year-old waterline under Fremont Ave N between N 34th and N 35th Streets.

First scheduled water shutoff: June 9

The first major water service interruption is scheduled for Monday, June 9, from approximately 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. During this time, there will be lane reductions on N 36th St between Francis Ave N and Evanston Ave N.

During construction:

  • Sidewalks will remain open.
  • Business access will be maintained.
  • Traffic control signage and detours will be in place.
  • Affected buildings (highlighted in orange on city-provided maps) will be without water during the shutoff.

Transit and traffic impacts

The construction will result in temporary bus stop relocations affecting Routes 31, 32, 40, and 62:

  • Northbound Route 40 stop moved to Fremont Pl N & N 36th St near the Lenin statue.
  • Other northbound routes will use a temporary stop on N 35th St just east of Fremont Ave N.
  • Southbound routes will be detoured to N 34th St with a temporary stop on Stone Way N.
  • Affected bus stops have been in effect since May 12 and are expected to remain through 2025.

Commuters are also reminded of the Ballard Bridge closure from June 6 (evening) to June 9 (as late as 5 AM), as part of a separate paving and safety project.

Construction timeline and what to expect

Residents and businesses should anticipate:

  • Temporary lane and driveway closures
  • Noise, dust, and vibration from heavy equipment
  • Parking restrictions and sidewalk detours
  • Trenching, drainage work, and signal upgrades
  • Full concrete street replacement on Fremont Ave N (N 34th to N 35th)

For updates, residents are encouraged to join the project email list or contact SDOT directly at Route40@seattle.gov.

Photo: SDOT