 Power meets Public Art
 The new electrical building at the Wallingford shaft site features landscaping.
If you’ve walked pass the Wallingford shaft site lately, you may have spotted a new addition popping up near Interlake Ave N and N 35th St. No, it’s not another condo — it’s the electrical building for all the equipment at this eastern end of the tunnel! While it may look like a simple little structure, it actually does a big job. Inside, it supports the giant storage tunnel running far below your feet, helping to keep things powered, ventilated, monitored, and communicating smoothly. Other than the future pump station at the west end of the tunnel in Ballard, this is the only above-ground building and the brains quietly making sure the whole system is ready to help keep sewage and stormwater out of the Ship Canal.
This site isn’t just about powering equipment for the storage tunnel; it’s also about beautifying the neighborhood. Surrounding the building is Overflow, a beautiful waterjet-cut art fence created by local artist RYAN! Feddersen. The design connects images of city streets, pipes, waterways, and the ways we all rely on water in our everyday lives. It’s a reminder that behind every flush, shower, and rainy day, there’s a hidden system working hard to keep our water clean. With landscaping and other final touches on the way, the Wallingford site is shaping up to be a space that’s not just functional, but fun to look at too.
 The newly installed art fence, Overflow, by artist RYAN! Feddersen at the Wallingford shaft site.
We want to share a friendly reminder that this project update is now quarterly; our next update will come in the fall.
While the Wallingford site is wrapping up, there’s still a lot happening in Ballard! If you’d like to keep getting monthly updates focused on Ballard, just send us an email at SPU_ShipCanalProject@seattle.gov and we will add you to our Ballard email list.
Please visit our project website to get the most up-to-date information about the Ship Canal Water Quality Project, a partnership between Seattle Public Utilities and King County Wastewater Treatment Division.
Ballard
The Ballard Pump Station and Ballard Conveyance contractor continues work along 24th Ave NW, NW 56th St, and 28th Ave NW.
On 24th Ave NW (south of Shilshole Ave NW), crews began work relocating a water main in preparation for ground improvements and shaft construction.
On 28th Ave NW, crews completed a sanitary sewer extension. Water main relocation is planned to begin in July and continuing through the month.
Crews continue to install geotechnical monitoring points along the Ballard conveyance construction alignment. They help track and collect data for any ground movement during construction.
You should anticipate:
- Parking restrictions, intermittent road closures, and local access only along 24th Ave NW, NW 56th St, and 28th Ave NW
- Noise, dust, and vibration typical of a construction site
- Work and equipment will include machinery for pavement removal and soil excavation to assist in construction
For your safety, please watch for equipment and signs in the area. Travel slowly through active construction areas and follow directions from flaggers and signs.
East Ballard
NW 45th St between 11th Ave NW and 9th Ave NW is open along with the Burke Gilman Trail in its original location. Minor restoration work is continuing. Crews will still be in the area and there may be occasional one lane closures with flaggers as work wraps up.
Fremont
Crews are testing equipment inside the shaft and the mechanical and electrical vault on N 36th St. Crews continue minor site restoration work on N 36th St.
2nd Ave NW is now open in its original configuration.
You should anticipate:
- Trucks entering and leaving the site
- Fans running during work hours to provide fresh air to crews working in the shaft
Regular work hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 am to 6 pm.
Wallingford
Interlake Ave N is now open to all lanes of traffic. The sidewalk adjacent to the construction site remains closed.
Within the site at the northeast corner of N 35th St and Interlake Ave N, crews continue site restoration.
Please note the driveway to the site on Interlake Ave N is used regularly. Please do not block the driveway at any time.
You should anticipate:
- Trucks coming in and out of the site
Regular work hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 am to 6 pm.
Queen Anne
The parking lot at W Ewing St near 3rd Ave W is expected to be open later this month. Crews have completed much of the site restoration but are still testing equipment in the shaft. The Ship Canal Trail is currently open in its original configuration.
Contact Us
Please email SPU_ShipCanalProject@seattle.gov with questions or comments or call our hotline at (206) 701-0233. You can also find information online at spushipcanal.participate.online.
|
