Route 40: Project Updates - May 8, 2026
We’ve reached a major project milestone with all street paving and watermain installation complete. Sidewalks across the project area are also smoother and easier to use, especially for people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
The project is now entering its final phase. In the next few weeks, crews will finish key upgrades, including striping and signal activation that will make it easier to walk, bike and ride the bus through Ballard and Fremont. When complete people will have more options to visit local destinations along Metro Route 40, using improved crossings and bus stops.
When streets are easier to move on foot, by bike, and by bus, it can be easier for people to notice shops, restaurants and services along the corridor. Better visibility and access can inform and help more customers reach local businesses in Fremont and Ballard. The goal is streets work better for more people while continuing to serve an active and growing part of the city.
People will experience these changes in different ways. Many will welcome safer walking, biking and better bus service, while others who drive may have questions about the new street layout.
It is natural for street changes to require adjustment, and this typically takes a few months. These improvements are meant to provide safer travel, better transit, and easier access for everyone as our city grows.
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Rendering of Fremont Ave N, between N 34th St and N 35th St, looking north. Image: SDOT
Fremont Striping, Red Bus Lane Painting, Parking Restrictions & Protected Bike Lane Installation
Over the next few weeks, crews will complete the final set of improvements. This work includes:
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remaining sidewalk upgrades
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a new protected bike lane
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street striping, sign installation, pole removal, and traffic signal activation
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red bus-only lanes to improve bus reliability
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Crews will also begin street and sidewalk upgrades at the southbound bus stop on Westlake Ave N just south of Fremont Bridge.
There will be a lot of temporary No Parking signs posted throughout the Fremont and Ballard work areas while work is done over the next 3 weeks. Parking restrictions will be in place on weekdays:
Please follow the restricted parking times on the signs and move your vehicles so the work can be done safely and stay on schedule. As work is completed, signs will be removed and parking made available again.
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Fremont Ave N between N 34th St and N 36th St
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N 36th St between 2nd Ave NW and Evanston Ave N
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N 35th St between Fremont Ave N and Troll Ave N
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N 34th St between Fremont Ave N and Troll Ave N
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South of Fremont Bridge at the intersection of 4th Ave N, Westlake Ave N, and Dexter Ave N
Crews grind down the asphalt roadway on N 35th St in preparation before installing new asphalt pavement. Photo: SDOT
Fremont Ave N, Fremont Pl N, and N 35th St
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Seattle City Light will activate the traffic signal after testing
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Install bus stop features such as shelters, where applicable
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Complete final concrete work and site cleanup
South of Fremont Bridge: Westlake Ave N
Street upgrades and sidewalk improvements start at the southbound bus stop on Westlake Ave N, just south of Fremont Bridge. This work is expected to begin mid-May and last approximately 1-2 weeks. What to expect:
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Noise, dust, and vibrations
Current construction activities in the core of the Fremont neighborhood.
New curbs, sidewalks, and street pavement providing smoother travel for people to visit local stores and restaurants. Before and after photo on Fremont Pl N and Evanston Ave N looking west. Photo: SDOT
Sidewalk Replacement in Fremont
Crews recently:
- Completed sidewalk replacement on the south side of N 36th St near Dayton Ave N
- Completed sidewalk replacement on the south side of Fremont Pl N
Looking ahead, crews will:
- Replace sidewalk at select locations on the north side of N 36th St between 1st Ave NW and Francis Ave N
- Please follow posted pedestrian and traffic detours for your safety.
Crews pour concrete for sidewalk and a driveway on NW Leary Way west of 15th Ave NW. Photo: SDOT
NW Leary Way at 15th Ave NW
Street Paving
Crews Recently:
- Removed the top layers of asphalt and repaved.
- Completed replacing sidewalk and driveways on the north side of NW Leary Way, east of the intersection
- Completed removing and replacing sidewalk at the southwest corner
- Removed sidewalk and replaced the curb ramps at the southeast corner
Looking Ahead: Ballard Restriping Notice
With street paving work complete, street restriping will begin as soon as mid-May to refresh roadway markings, improve visibility and enhance safety. Striping work will take place overnight.
Please be aware that there will be a lot of temporary No Parking signage posted throughout the work areas. Signage will restrict parking from May 18 through June 5, during weeknights. Please follow the restricted parking times on the signs and move vehicles so crews can complete the work safely and on schedule. As work is completed, signage will be removed so parking is available again.
Affected streets:
- NW Leary Way between 15th Ave NW and 17th Ave NW
Please be aware that while almost all of the road striping was complete on NW Leary Way and Market Ave N earlier in the project, there will be some small sections of roadway striping occurring overnight in these areas. Please follow the restricted parking times on the signs and move vehicles so crews can complete the work safely and on schedule. As work is completed, signage will be removed so parking is available again.
Looking ahead, crews will:
- Finish sidewalk replacement at the southeast corner
Construction in the Ballard neighborhood on NW Leary Way and 15th Ave NW.
Crews will return to the Westlake neighborhood to complete work at the southbound Halladay St bus stop as well as remaining sidewalk restoration and one curb ramp replacement at the intersection of Westlake 8th and Galer. This work is expected to occur as soon as mid-May.
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Made in House, opened in 2021, is a woman-owned Korean fast-casual spot focused on scratch-made, no-fuss dining. Fremont's premier stone pot destination, we offer contemporary dine-in, takeout, and deli provisions for easy additions at home. Our menu highlights seasonal ingredients, traditional techniques, and thoughtfully rotating dishes. House ferments are grown in our organic, pesticide-free greenhouse in Hobart, WA, and are also featured at our original sister concept, BopBox in Georgetown. Join us for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or take something home for busy nights—and keep an eye out for House Alley, opening summer 2026! Catering and business lunch packs also available.
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.
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 of 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
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Phone: (206) 775-8731 (leave a voicemail and we will return your call)
Our project team is in close coordination with the following projects. Please visit their project webpage to see the latest update:
If you need this information translated, please call 206-775-8731.
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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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