Route 40: Project Updates - March 6, 2026

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Route 40: Project Updates - March 6, 2026

Before and after Fremont

These before and after photos were taken on N 35th St east of Fremont Ave N as part of the Route 40 project. By reconstructing sidewalks and curb ramps to be smooth, even, and ADA-accessible, we make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy Fremont and visit their favorite stores and restaurants. Photo: SDOT


Dear community members,

Construction continues in Fremont and Ballard along NW Leary Way at 15th Ave NW as work progresses on the Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Project. Crews are actively working on utility upgrades, sidewalks, and bus stop improvements that will enhance transit reliability, pedestrian safety, and overall corridor operations. Below are the latest construction updates and what to expect next.


What's happening in Ballard?

Mean sidewalk

Crews replace sidewalk along NW Leary Way near a local business to improve accessibility and pedestrian travel in the corridor. Photo: SDOT

NW Leary Way at 15th Ave NW

Work continues along NW Leary Way near 15th Ave NW as crews continue sidewalk and roadway improvements.

Crews recently:

  • Poured the last remaining concrete sidewalk at the upgraded westbound bus stop
  • Poured sections of sidewalk at the eastbound bus stop

Looking ahead, crews will remove and replace concrete roadway panels near the intersection and at the bridge on/off ramps. This work will occur on weekends from Friday evening to Monday morning to minimize impacts to the travelling public during weekdays. Expect lane reductions on the ramps and on NW Leary Way at 15th Ave NW. Work may start as soon as March 20.

In addition to the weekend street work, looking ahead, crews will:

  • Complete remaining sidewalk replacement at the eastbound bus stop
  • Remove and replace sidewalk and curb ramps at the northeast and southeast corners of the intersection
  • Remove and replace sidewalk at the southwest corner of the intersection
  • Remove and replace sidewalk and driveways on the north side of NW Leary Way, east of the intersection
  • Install new traffic signals
Mean bus bulb

Crews work on the new eastbound bus stop on NW Leary Way near 15th Ave NW. Photo: SDOT

15th and Leary graphic_updated

Construction in the Ballard neighborhood on NW Leary Way and 15th Ave NW.


What's happening in Fremont?

Upcoming Street Pavement Work

Crews have begun preparing select areas of the street for pavement restoration following recent trenching and curb replacement work. Over the next several weeks, crews will install new pavement in several locations to restore the street and complete this phase of construction.

Work locations include:

  • N 36th St between 1st Ave NW and Palatine Ave N
  • N 36th St at Phinney Ave N
  • N 36th St at Dayton Ave N
  • Fremont Pl N between Evanston Ave N and Fremont Ave N
  • Fremont Ave N and N 35th St intersection
  • North side of Fremont Ave N and N 34th St intersection

While this work is underway, people traveling through the area may notice:

  • Temporary traffic lane shifts near work areas
  • Temporary lane reductions
  • Temporary parking restrictions
  • Construction equipment, crews working in the roadway, and typical construction noise
Fremont map February 2026

Construction in the core of the Fremont neighborhood.

Updated 1st and 36th map

Construction in the Fremont Neighborhood on N 36th St near 1st Ave NW

Eastbound 1st Ave NW and N 36th St

Crews are continuing:

  • To prepare to pour sidewalk at the bus stop
  • To form new curb and foundations for the bus shelter while the work for the light pole was poured today

Looking ahead, crews will:

  • Remove and replace sidewalks at select locations along N 36th St on both the north and south sides

Construction will continue into April. Please follow posted pedestrian and traffic detours for your safety.

Transit riders: The eastbound bus stop on N 36th St between 1st Ave NW and Palatine Ave N (#28300) remains closed while construction continues. Riders can use alternative stops located east and west along N 36th St.

Fremont 36th roadway

Crews pour the new roadway on N 36th St east of Fremont Ave N. Photo: SDOT

Westbound Fremont Pl N

Crews recently:

  • Completed electrical conduit installation and poured sidewalks at and around the new bus stop
  • Began driveway paving

Looking ahead, crews will

  • Continue pouring sidewalk and installing bus stop amenities
  • Complete driveway paving
Dumpling sidewalk

Crews finish the new sidewalks along Fremont Pl N leading up to the new bus stop near local businesses. Photo: SDOT


Fremont Ave N, Fremont Pl N, and N 35th St Intersection

Crews recently:

  • Poured sidewalk and curb ramp at the northeast corner
  • Continued working on the signal at the pedestrian island near N 35th St

Looking ahead, crews will:

  • Complete sidewalk and curb ramp replacement at the northeast corner
  • Complete concrete pours for the pedestrian island extension
  • Complete installation and commission traffic signals
  • Remove old signal poles and finish sidewalk restoration at all corners
  • Complete landscaping and tree plantings
Dordlova sidewalk

Crews work on the new sidewalks at the northeast corner of N 35th St and Fremont Ave N/Fremont Pl N. Photo: SDOT

What will Fremont Ave N look like when improvements are complete?

Fremont rendering

A rendering shows improvements heading north on Fremont Ave N.


Tree Notifications in Fremont

You might notice new signs posted on trees along the south side of N 36th St where sidewalk repair could affect nearby trees. A notification on a tree means SDOT is evaluating the tree for retention during sidewalks repairs. If the root pruning needed to repair the sidewalk does not allow the tree to remain stable and healthy, it may be necessary to remove the tree. This evaluation will be done during sidewalk construction in the coming weeks. If it's determined that an existing tree needs to be removed, we will re-plant a new tree in the same location, as well as an additional tree elsewhere in the city. 

Tree notice

An example of a Public Notice you may see on trees in Fremont. Photo: SDOT


Local Business Spotlight - Ophelia's Books

Kitty books

Ophelia's Books has been an eclectic source of quality books (used and new) since 1997! Located in central Fremont, Ophelia's is nestled in a 115-year-old building with three floors of books and is open seven days a week. It is also home to two shop cats, Boris & Arkady, who are always around to help you find your next favorite read in exchange for belly rubs. 

If you own or manage a business in Fremont or Westlake Ave near the project corridor and would like to be featured, please email us at Route40@seattle.gov and send us a short description and picture of your business.


Drop-In Sessions Continue – Now by Appointment Only

Every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:00 AM, residents and business owners can participate in our online open house for Route 40. These sessions provide an opportunity to connect directly with the project team, ask questions, share comments, or simply listen.

Drop-in sessions will be held during this time by appointment only. Community members who would like to attend are asked to confirm their participation by Sunday evening the week prior via email, which helps ensure project staff are available.

These sessions are a valuable way to stay informed and engaged throughout the project. We encourage everyone to join us and be part of the conversation—your input is important and helps shape the project’s success.

You can access the online meetings with the details below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83530373889 


Sign up for our Seattle Transit Measure newsletter

Thanks to you - Seattle voters and taxpayers - the voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure has improved transit frequency, invested in new bus-only lanes to make taking the bus more reliable, made transit more accessible through our Transportation Access Programs, and more. 

Because you have expressed interest in other projects and programs funded by the Seattle Transit Measure, you may be interested in a this new monthly newsletter, which will highlight what the Seattle Transit Measure has made possible in that month. Sign up here by selecting the Seattle Transit Measure topic. 


Contact Us & Project Updates 

Thank you for signing up for updates about the Route 40 Transit Plus Multimodal Corridor Project. We encourage you to share this message with your neighbors. They can also stay informed by signing up for email updates.

You can learn more on our project webpage or contact us by: 

  • Phone: (206) 775-8731 (leave a voicemail and we will return your call)  

Other Projects Along This Route

Our project team is in close coordination with the following projects. Please visit their project webpage to see the latest update:


Translations

If you need this information translated, please call 206-775-8731.

如果您需要此信息翻譯成中文 請致電 206-775-8731.

Kung kailangan mo ang impormasyon na ito na nakasalin sa Tagalog mangyari lamang na tumawag sa 206-775-8731.

Si necesita traducir esta información al español, llame al 206-775-8731.

Odeeffannoon kun akka siif 206-775-8731.

Nếu quý vị cần thông tin này chuyển ngữ sang tiếng Việt xin gọi 206-775-8731.

የዚህን መረጃ ትርጉም ከፈለጉ፣ በዚህ ስልክ ቁጥር ይደውሉ፡ 206-775-8731.

ናይዚ ሓበሬታ ትርጉም እንተደሊኹም፣ በዚ ቁጽሪ ስልኪ ይድውሉ፡ 206-775-8731.

당신이 번역이 정보를 필요로하는 경우에, 206-775-8731 로 전화 해주십시오.

اذا تريد ترجمة هذه المعلومات, يرجى الاتصال برقم
206-775-8731


Contact us     

If you have any questions, please contact us at Route40@seattle.gov

Sincerely,     

Jules Posadas

Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Project

(206) 775-8731

Route40@seattle.gov

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