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Seattle, Washington / Landmarks

The Ballard Bridge

A historic 2,854-foot bascule bridge spanning the eastern edge of Salmon Bay, connecting the Ballard neighborhood to Interbay and the heart of Seattle.

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The Ballard Bridge
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What is the Ballard Bridge known for?

The Ballard Bridge is a bascule bridge that opens to allow taller ships to use the Ship Canal. Built in 1917, it spans the eastern edge of Salmon Bay and serves as a key transportation link connecting Ballard to Downtown, Queen Anne, and Magnolia via Interbay.

When was the bridge built?

The original bascule bridge was built in 1917 in conjunction with the Lake Washington Ship Canal project.

What is the history of the bridge's reconstruction?

The bridge was rebuilt by 1940, an event celebrated with a parade on May 25 of that year. While the rebuild retained the original piers and double bascule leaves, the original wooden-trestle approaches were replaced with concrete and steel.

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 across the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

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 massive engineering feat that spans the eastern edge of Salmon Bay. Originally constructed in 1917 as part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal project, this 2,854-foot structure serves as a vital transportation artery. It carries more than 57,000 vehicles every day, linking Ballard to the neighborhoods of Magnolia and Queen Anne, as well as Downtown via Interbay. Architecturally, the bridge is a bascule design, meaning it features double bascule leaves that lift to allow taller ships to navigate the Ship Canal. While the original 1917 version relied on rickety wooden-trestle approaches, a major reconstruction was completed by 1940. This upgrade replaced the hazardous wood with durable concrete and steel approaches, though the original piers and bascule leaves were retained. The city celebrated this reconstruction with a grand parade and official dedication activities on May 25, 1940. This event marked the bridge's transition into a more modern and safe crossing for the growing city of Seattle. In recent years, the bridge has continued to evolve to meet modern safety standards. The Seattle Department of Transportation completed the 15th Ave W/NW and Ballard Bridge Paving and Safety Project in 2025. This recent initiative improved the road surface and added a new pedestrian signal at the intersection of NW 51st and 15th Ave NW to enhance walker safety.

Visitor tips

  • Keep an eye out for the bascule leaves lifting to let ships pass through the canal.
  • Use the new pedestrian signal at NW 51st and 15th Ave NW for a safer crossing.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the bridge is nearly 3,000 feet long.

Nearby context

The bridge serves as the primary gateway between the industrial and residential heart of Ballard and the Interbay corridor, bridging the gap over the Salmon Bay waters.

Sources

Evidence and links