Commuters and residents in the Ballard to Interbay stretch of Seattle are bracing for the beginning of construction work along 15th Ave W/NW, where improvements targeting better traffic flow and enhanced public safety are slated to kick off as early as July 8. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is spearheading the effort, focusing on a holistic upgrade of the street and the aging Ballard Bridge that has connected these neighborhoods for over a century.

In details shared by SDOT's blog, the construction project aims to repave damaged roads, introduce a new traffic signal, and unveil other safety features to protect and encourage those on foot, bikes, or other non-vehicle modes of transportation. However, these improvements come with a catch— disruptions in the form of weeknight southbound closures and traffic lane reductions beginning simultaneously with the project's kickoff.

SDOT's move to replace outdated components of the Ballard Bridge necessitates a full closure of the bridge scheduled for early fall. Details on the expected detours and alternative routes during this period will be communicated to the city's denizens in due course, with the department urging the public to stay informed by registering for email updates on their website.