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LEVY DOLLARS AT WORK | Starting in 2023, we’ll pave 15th Ave W/NW and complete important maintenance & preservation work on the Ballard Bridge. Find out how to stay informed and share feedback as we work with the community to minimize impacts during construction next year.

15th Ave NW in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. The existing pavement has been worn down over time, and is currently in poor condition. Photo: SDOT

In 2023, we will begin construction on 15th Ave W/NW from W Emerson St (in Interbay) to NW 57th St (in Ballard). This includes paving and work on the Ballard Bridge deck. This will restore good street conditions on this important corridor that connects Ballard, Interbay, Queen Anne, and Magnolia.

As part of Seattle’s freight route, this will also be a major investment in the freight network and serve large trucks, the maritime industrial business, port facilities, and key business needs on this side of town.

Construction details

Project construction is currently scheduled to begin as soon as summer 2023 and be completed as soon as 2024. This project is funded by the Levy to Move Seattle.

Timeline graphic showing the project's status. Construction is scheduled to begin as soon as summer 2023.
Timeline graphic showing the project’s status. Construction is scheduled to begin as soon as summer 2023. Graphic: SDOT

We will complete asphalt paving along 15th Ave W/NW, from W Emerson St to NW 57th St, asphalt paving on the Ballard Bridge, and select concrete panel replacement on the ramps to and from the Ballard Bridge to NW Leary Way (see project map below).

We are currently in the early planning phase for this paving project. The planning phase will include collecting traffic data, reviewing plans, and gathering community input. After planning is complete, we move into the design phase, then begin construction. As noted above, we plan to begin construction as soon as summer 2023, and currently expect to complete construction as soon as 2024.

We are still developing the details of this construction work. This may include where work starts first, specific work hours (including night and weekend work when necessary), potential travel detours, and road closure times. We are committed to continuing to share more information about the project as it becomes available.

How to stay informed, share your feedback, and ask questions

We will be actively working to schedule this project work for days and times with lighter traffic, but as with all major construction, some disruptions and lane closures will be unavoidable. To make sure we understand your preferences for the schedule and access needs, we’re asking residents and businesses how we can lessen the impact of construction on your commute and travel needs.

If you have thoughts or feedback, you can send us an email at 15thAveW_NWpaving@Seattle.gov. You can also ask questions to us via email, and we will follow up with more information.

We are committed to continually sharing more updates about the project as more details become available. Please continue to visit the project webpage for more information and to sign-up on our project listserv where you’ll receive updates about construction and potential impacts.

Map showing the extent of the planned repaving and bridge deck work.
Map showing the extent of the planned repaving and bridge deck work. Graphic: SDOT

How we’re planning to minimize travel impacts during 2023-24 construction

We recognize that the Ballard Bridge is a vital north-south connection in northwest Seattle. This work will affect people traveling on the bridge. Our goal is to have at least one lane in each direction open for vehicles during construction.

We’ll schedule construction work so it has the least impact on you and your neighbors. We also plan to keep at least one of the two sidewalks open on the Ballard Bridge for people walking, biking, and rolling using a power wheelchair or other mobility device during most of construction, unless short, limited closures are needed for traveler safety.

We will be posting signs around the project area, using our email list to send traffic advisories ahead of time with detour maps, and work with media to get the word out so travelers can plan ahead.

The Ballard Bridge was originally built in 1917, and requires periodic maintenance and preservation to continue operating safely and effectively. Photo: SDOT.

Project purpose at-a-glance:

  • 15th Ave W/NW, including the Ballard Bridge, is one of Seattle’s most heavily used arterial streets.
  • Repaving 15th Ave W/NW (between NW 57th and W Emerson St) and the approaches to the Ballard Bridge will help to restore the street’s pavement and extend its useful life.
  • This will help keep our city transportation network in a state of good repair, allow for safe, reliable travel in future years, and help lower the cost of future maintenance.
  • This will also be a major investment in the freight network and serve large trucks, the maritime industrial business, port facilities, and key business needs on this side of town.
  • Like many arterial routes, this type of maintenance work is essential to ensure the city’s primary travel routes can continue to effectively move people and goods throughout the city and connect Seattle neighborhoods and business districts.

Photo of existing pavement needing repair at 15th Ave NW, near the approach to the Ballard Bridge.
Photo of existing pavement needing repair at 15th Ave NW, near the approach to the Ballard Bridge. Photo: SDOT.

Keeping Seattle’s streets moving forward – including 15th Ave W/NW

Each year, we pave arterial streets that are in poor condition to help make them safer, smoother, and functional for a longer period of time. Like many of our arterials, 15th Ave W/NW is a heavily used roadway, connecting Ballard, Interbay, North Queen Anne, and Magnolia.

This street also serves as a major transit route, carrying King County Metro bus routes 15, 17, 18, 40, 44, and the D Line RapidRide bus. This area of northwest Seattle is also home to large number of businesses, grocery stores, homes, and other destinations, so this work is essential to keep people and goods moving effectively to and through the neighborhoods in the project area.

People crossing the street in Ballard at the intersection of 15th Ave NW and NW Market St.
People crossing the street in Ballard at the intersection of 15th Ave NW and NW Market St. Photo credit: SDOT

Thank you and stay engaged

Thank you for your interest and for staying engaged in this important maintenance and preservation work to keep 15th Ave W/NW and the Ballard Bridge moving for years to come.

Please continue to visit the project web page and sign-up on our project email listserv for periodic updates about construction and potential impacts.