 New Paint, New Page
Whew – tunneling is exhausting work! If you’ve passed our facilities in Queen Anne, Fremont, or East Ballard you may have noticed some large white vents curving out of the ground. These are exhaust vents for our underground storage tunnel. They help release heat, regulate air pressure, and keep fresh air flowing to keep conditions safe for crews working below. Thanks to three emerging local artists, the vents have been transformed to reflect how the story of water, connection, and community relates to each artist’s culture. Learn more about these artists, explore their art, and we encourage you to go check out the artwork in person.
Fremont Justin Gibbens is a central Washington-based artist who uses the conventions of natural history illustration and traditional Chinese fine-line painting in surprising and unconventional ways. He exhibits throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
 New public artwork ”Release the Kraken” created by Justin Gibbens at the Fremont shaft site.
Queen Anne Esmeralda Vasquez says that incorporating elements of their culture into their work is something they’re still learning how to do every day. They discovered their current style through their love for patterns and vibrant colors that are found in traditional Mexican designs and textiles.
 New public artwork “Meet Me By The Water” created by Esmeralda Vasquez at the Queen Anne shaft site.
East Ballard Tommy Segundo comes from the Haida tribe (Southeast Alaska), Katzie First Nation (Coast Salish) and Filipino (also known as “INDIPINO”). Born and raised in Seattle, Segundo refers to himself as an “URBAN NATIVE” and uses formline art, a feature in the Indigenous art of the Pacific Northwest Coast, to stay connected to his culture.
 New public artwork “Portage Ways” by Tommy Segundo at the East Ballard shaft site
In other news, our new project website is now live! Check out our new website which now connects more seamlessly with other Seattle Public Utilities webpages. The site may look and feel a little different, but you will still find the most up-to-date information about the Ship Canal Water Quality Project. Seattle Public Utilities and King County Wastewater Treatment Division are building the Ship Canal Water Quality Project (SCWQP) to significantly reduce the amount of polluted stormwater (from rain) and sewage that flows into the Lake Washington Ship Canal, Salmon Bay, and Lake Union from our sewer system.
A friendly reminder that these project updates are now quarterly; our next update will be in early 2026. But much more action is happening in Ballard! If you’d like to keep getting monthly updates focused on Ballard, just email us at SPU_ShipCanalProject@seattle.gov and we will add you to the Ballard email list.
Ballard
Crews at the Ballard Pump Station continue placing rebar and concrete for the concrete tower walls.
The Ballard Conveyance crews continue work along 24th Ave NW, NW 56th St, and 28th Ave NW. Crews are working at the intersection of 24th Ave NW and NW 56th St to support upcoming small-scale tunneling operations.
 Traffic control plan showing one lane open in each direction on 24th Ave NW, and work zone and shaft construction area at the intersection of 24th Ave NW and NW 56th St in place until spring 2027.
You should anticipate:
- Parking restrictions, intermittent road closures, and local access only along 24th Ave NW, NW 56th St, and 28th Ave NW
- Trucks bringing materials on-site and off-site
- Noise, dust, and vibration typical of a construction site
- Vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle detours around the area
- Increased traffic in the area as residents and commuters adjust to detour routes
For your safety and the safety of our crew, please watch for equipment and signs in the area. Travel slowly through active construction areas and follow directions from flaggers and signs. Thank you!
Other project sites: East Ballard, Fremont, Queen Anne, Wallingford
Work in these neighborhoods has been steadily winding down. Crews may still be in the areas periodically as minor restoration work wraps up. We will be back in 2027 when the storage tunnel becomes operational.
Contact Us
Please email SPU_ShipCanalProject@seattle.gov with questions or comments or call our hotline at (206) 701-0233. Visit our website.
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