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Seattle, Washington / Landmarks

Ballard Bridge

A massive 1917 bascule bridge spanning Salmon Bay, this critical corridor connects the Ballard neighborhood to Interbay, Magnolia, and Queen Anne while serving over 57,000 vehicles daily.

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Ballard Bridge
en.wikipedia.org, og_image_en.wikipedia.org

What is the Ballard Bridge known for?

The Ballard Bridge is a bascule bridge built in 1917 that spans Salmon Bay and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. It serves as a major transportation corridor, connecting the Ballard neighborhood to Interbay, Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Downtown.

What are the hours for the Ballard Bridge?

The bridge does not have visitor-style hours; it remains open and accessible to traffic until further notice.

What is the history of the bridge's construction?

Originally built in 1917 as a bascule bridge, it was later rebuilt with concrete and steel approaches to replace hazardous wooden trestles, while retaining its original piers and double bascule leaves. A parade led by Governor Clarence D. Martin celebrated the rebuilt bridge on May 25, 1940.

How long is the bridge and how busy is it?

The bridge is 2,854 feet long and carries more than 57,000 vehicles per day.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Ballard Bridge is a monumental bascule bridge that first opened in 1917 in conjunction with the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Spanning the eastern edge of Salmon Bay at 15th Avenue NW, this engineering feat measures 2,854 feet in length. It serves as a vital transportation artery, linking the Ballard neighborhood to Interbay, Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Downtown Seattle. While the bridge's core remains historic, it underwent a significant reconstruction in 1940. The rebuilt structure retained the original piers and double bascule leaves, but the city replaced the hazardous and rickety wooden-trestle approaches with durable concrete and steel. This transformation was celebrated on May 25, 1940, with a grand parade led by Governor Clarence D. Martin. Today, the bridge continues to be a high-capacity corridor, carrying more than 57,000 vehicles every day. To ensure its long-term viability, the city recently completed a Paving and Safety Project in 2025, focusing on the 15th Ave W/NW section to maintain the bridge's accessibility and safety for the thousands of commuters who cross it daily.

Visitor tips

  • Be mindful of heavy traffic, as over 57,000 vehicles use this bridge daily.
  • Check for bridge openings to see the double bascule leaves in action for ship traffic.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to traverse the full 2,854-foot length.

Nearby context

The bridge serves as the primary gateway between the industrial and residential hubs of Ballard and Interbay, crossing the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Salmon Bay.

Sources

Evidence and links