The Ballard Locks visitor center and fish ladder viewing room closed over the weekend due to the ongoing government shutdown.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Seattle District said that while lock operations for both pedestrian and vessel traffic will continue as normal, several public areas have been closed since Sunday, November 2. The visitor center, fish ladder viewing room, and south bathroom are closed until further notice. The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden will remain open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
According to the USACE, the closures are part of measures to maintain mission-critical activities that support national security and the economy. Lock operations, flood control infrastructure, and hydroelectric dam management will continue uninterrupted.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stated that access and hours at affected sites could change depending on funding and available resources. Future updates will be posted on the Seattle District’s website.
For more information, contact the Seattle District Public Affairs Office at 206-764-3750 or paoteam@nws02.usace.army.mil.
Photo: Hiram M Chittenden Locks on Facebook