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We’re Painting the Ballard Bridge

The middle part of the Ballard Bridge (called the “bascule”) is getting a fresh coat of paint on its steel parts to reduce corrosion. The painting contractor has draped containment sheeting under the bridge to keep any stray paint from falling in the water while the crews paint the underside. This sheeting is also known as a “diaper.”

The containment sheeting is designed to allow the leaves of the bridge to open and close for marine traffic. Boaters must provide advance notice when they need an opening, and the painters get off the structure until it is closed again.

The sidewalk on the east side will be closed until the project is finished this spring. The contractor needs this sidewalk to access the bridge and bring in materials. There will be no further lane closures until late February.