Crews continue work across several neighborhoods along the Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor, with sidewalk construction, traffic changes, and transit upgrades underway from Fremont to Ballard, Westlake, and North Seattle.
The project, which started in 2024, aims to improve the Route 40 corridor. The improvements in Ballard have included calming speeds on Leary Ave NW by reducing the number of travel lanes, adding a new traffic signal at 20th Ave NW and Leary Ave NW, an upgraded pedestrian crossing on Leary Ave NW north of 20th Ave NW, and northbound BAT lanes.
In Ballard, crews are moving ahead on improvements at 15th Ave NW and NW Leary Way, including upgraded curb ramps, sidewalks, and transit facilities. The upgrades are intended to support safer crossings and more reliable transit access in one of the busiest sections of the corridor.
In Fremont, crews are building new sidewalks on N 35th St east of Fremont Ave N, starting at the southeast corner and heading toward A.B. Ernst Park. Most heavy construction is expected to finish in December, with final paving and striping to follow when weather allows. Additional work is also happening on N 35th St west of Fremont Ave N, where traffic and pedestrian detours are in place. General traffic is not allowed to turn left onto N 35th St from Fremont Ave N; detour signage is posted for business access.
In North Seattle, project staff clarified that left turns across double-yellow centerlines are legal unless posted otherwise. Bus-only lanes remain restricted to transit except where turns or driveway access are permitted.
On Westlake Ave N, a new bus-only lane is now in place at the intersection with 9th Ave N. Buses will use this lane to make a protected left turn, guided by a special signal. Signal timing and pavement markings are being updated as part of this change. Drivers should watch for buses merging from the far-right lane. Access to homes, businesses, and driveways will remain open.
Upcoming work in Fremont will include demolition and replacement of sidewalks, installation of new ADA curb ramps, trenching for electrical conduit, and concrete paving along Fremont Ave N, N 36th St, and N 35th St. Sidewalk closures, detours, noise, and temporary access impacts are expected as construction continues.
The project team is also hosting weekly online drop-in sessions on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. for residents and business owners to ask questions or receive updates.
Route 40 currently sees over 8,500 average weekday boardings (Fall 2024), an 11% increase from the previous year. The project aims to improve safety, accessibility, and transit reliability along the corridor.
More information is available on the project webpage, and community members can reach the team by email at Route40@seattle.gov or by phone at (206) 775-8731.
Photo: Google Image Capture Sept 2025