The Route 40 bus corridor improvement project is making significant progress in Ballard. Currently, work is actively taking place on NW Market St and Leary Ave NW. This extensive project by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is part of the Route 40 Transit Plus Multimodal Corridor Project and is set to bring numerous benefits.

Key Benefits and Updates

NW Market St between Ballard Ave NW and 22nd Ave NW

The north side of NW Market St has seen the completion of concrete and sidewalk work. On the east side of 22nd Ave NW and NW Market St, sidewalk improvements have also been carried out. Crews are now planning to continue with sidewalk work followed by sidewalk/curb restoration on the west side of 22nd Ave NW. This meticulous work is enhancing the infrastructure and safety of this area.

Leary Ave NW between 20th Ave NW and NW Market St

Near the Olympic Athletic Club, the construction of new large concrete sidewalk extensions is progressing and is expected to continue through November. Pavement milling has been completed, and sidewalk and roadway paving is scheduled for early December. Due to these activities, there will be partial street closures on 20th Ave NW between Leary Ave NW and Ballard Ave NW for the rest of the month. Additionally, a new median island at the midblock crosswalk of 20th Ave NW and Leary Ave NW has been constructed, and another one is expected to be completed by mid-December. It is crucial for pedestrians and drivers to be cautious and pay attention to their surroundings when passing through this intersection.

Leary Ave NW between NW Dock Pl and NW Ione Pl

Crews are on track to finish sidewalk work by early to mid-December on this stretch of Leary Ave NW. Community members will notice larger bus bulbs in both directions. Median islands are also being installed at these bus bulb locations. New bus stop foundations and partial sidewalks have been installed, further improving the transit facilities. Neighbors can expect temporary lane reductions, parking restrictions, sidewalk detours, and temporary driveway impacts in specific areas throughout the Fall. Construction typically occurs on weekdays and selected weekends from 7 AM – 4 PM.

Holman Rd NW (between 3rd Avenue NW and NW 103rd St)

Work on Holman Rd NW has not yet begun. However, once it starts, there will be temporary lane restrictions, and travelers can expect delays. Pedestrians will be detoured to the northwest side of Holman Road NW. SDOT will keep the community updated on the start of construction.

North Aurora

The bus zone improvements on Aurora Ave N and N 105th St/N Northgate Way are expected to be completed by this Fall, bringing much-needed enhancements to this area.

Westlake Ave N

Crews are gearing up to begin prepping for construction on Westlake Ave N near Halladay St. Community members can anticipate seeing construction crews starting as early as mid-December. They will be surveying, trenching, and installing conduit for the new pedestrian crossing. Due to inclement weather, this work was postponed. During construction, there will be parking restrictions, lane reductions, detours, noise, dust, and debris. Halladay St will be closed during construction hours. Construction typically takes place on weekdays and selected weekends from 7 AM – 4 PM.The Route 40 transit project commenced in June 2024, and SDOT aims to finish it by 2026. This comprehensive project is transforming the bus corridor and enhancing the commuting experience for residents and visitors alike. (SDOT photo shows crew members performing trenching work with an excavator in Ballard.)