Route 40 - Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor
Construction Alerts
Updated July, 2025
Thank you for visiting the Route 40 Transit Plus Multimodal Corridor Project page. Use the tabs above to stay informed about construction updates in your area.
Water shutoffs and partial Fremont Ave N lane closures - July 19 and July 20. Please click on the Fremont tab above to learn more.
We are excited to announce Seattle is taking another step toward more efficient streets that move more people and goods with the installation of bus-only lanes, more specifically Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes, along parts of the Route 40. We are rolling these out in partnership with King County Metro as part of the Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Project and in time to help people navigate Revive I-5 construction this summer and beyond.
Route 40 is the 5th highest ridership route in the King County Metro bus network with more than 8,500 average weekday daily boardings (Fall 2024) – an 11% increase from Fall 2023. Since the pandemic, ridership has grown every year. Learn more about Route 40 ridership by visiting the King County Metro Rider Dashboard. Once the Route 40 project is complete, we’re expecting 5-10% transit travel time reductions overall, and approximately 14-17% travel time reductions between Ballard and Downtown specifically.
Read our BLOG to learn more about the bus-only lanes.
We have begun installing new bus-only lanes in five key locations along the route. These transit enhancements are designed to improve transit reliability and travel time for Route 40 riders while maintaining access for local businesses and residents. Here are the latest updates:
- Ballard: Striping and bus-only lane markings have been completed.
- Holman Rd N: Striping and bus-only lane markings are completed in this north Seattle neighborhood. The new design plans for the bus-only lanes between 3rd and 104th reflect the transit improvements we’ve installed. The center turn lane was removed to accommodate these transit improvements.
- Westlake Ave N: Striping and bus-only lane markings will continue to be installed this week.
- Traffic signals on Westlake Ave N will be installed in the coming weeks.
- Fremont: Bus lanes will be marked once nearby construction is completed.
What you can expect during construction:
- Traffic detours and vehicle lane shifts around work zones
- Traffic lane reductions
- Noise, dust, and large vehicle traffic
- Temporary parking restrictions for weeks at a time
- Short term driveways closures
- Some nighttime and weekend work to minimize traffic impacts
- Some temporary full closures of major intersections
- Pedestrian and bicycle detours around the work
- Temporary utility service impacts
- Flaggers to help direct traffic, as needed
- Temporary bus detours and bus stop relocations
- Temporary storage of construction supplies on the street
- Drainage work: This involves digging trenches to help manage water flow
- Signal pole foundation excavation: This work involves digging for the pole foundations prior to when we order custom signal poles which takes a while to build and to make sure we know there are no underground obstructions
- Trenching for conduit: This involves digging trenches to lay down pipes or cables underground
- Sidewalk curb bulb out: This involves making the curbs stick outward for safety or accessibility
- Mill and fill overlay: This is when the top layer of the road gets removed and replaced with new asphalt
To learn more about anticipated constructions impacts, read the types of construction activities we plan to do.
What’s happening in Ballard?
Updated July 16, 2025
We are excited to share that we have finished installing the red bus only lanes and completed lane striping in the neighborhood. Our crews will be back later this summmer to make signage and lane striping improvements for vehicles turning onto NW Market St from Leary Ave NW.
(New bus only lane on NW Market Street going westbound)
Route 40 is the 5th highest ridership route in the King County Metro bus network with more than 8,500 average weekday daily boardings (Fall 2024) – an 11% increase from Fall 2023. Since the pandemic, ridership has grown every year. Learn more about Route 40 ridership by visiting the King County Metro Rider Dashboard.
Once the Route 40 project is complete, we’re expecting 5-10% transit travel time reductions overall, and approximately 14-17% travel time reductions between Ballard and Downtown specifically.
Read our bus-only lane Ballard flyer or click on our blog for more information
What's happening in Fremont?
Updated July 14, 2025
As part of our infrastructure improvements, two water shutoffs during the early mornings of Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 have been scheduled. The water shut offs are scheduled 2AM - 10AM on both days.
All northbound lanes on Fremont Ave N will be closed between N 34th St and N 35th St during this time. One southbound lane will remain open throughout the weekend. These are necessary steps in our work with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to replace a 100-year-old waterline and improve long-term water service reliability in the neighborhood.
Please see map below for more information on which buildings will be impacted:
1) Saturday, July 19 Water Shut Off:
- Date: Saturday, July 19
- Time: Approximately 2 AM - 10 AM
- Fremont Ave N street impacts: Approximately 1AM –11AM all northbound lanes closed. One lane southbound open.
2) Sunday, July 20 Water Shut Off:
- Date: Sunday, July 20
- Time: Approximately 2 AM - 10 AM
- Fremont Ave N Street impacts: Approximately 1AM –11AM all northbound lanes closed. One lane southbound open.
(Water shut off map of properties impacted and partial street closure on Fremont Ave N, between N 34th St and N 35th St)
Overnight Construction
Please note, you can expect to experience and hear construction activities overnight as part of our work to upgrade the watermain.
What to Expect
- You may hear loud humming and grinding, diesel engine exhaust, and workers' voices. You may also hear and feel low pitch vibrations
- Noise, dust, vibration, and large vehicle traffic
- Increased lighting around the construction area
- Temporary parking and lane restrictions in select areas
Water Main Infrastructure Upgrades
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is working with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to replace a 100-year-old waterline under Fremont Ave N between N 34th St and N 35th St and on Dayton Ave N and N 36th St. Completing the water main upgrades and the street upgrades at the same time will help reduce impacts to the community by coordinating major construction projects. This approach helps minimize travel disruptions, lower construction costs, and shorten the overall construction timeline compared to completing the projects separately.
When complete, the watermain upgrades are expected to:
- Improve capacity to deliver drinking water in your neighborhood
- Improve water system flow and pressure
- Ensure water service reliability and reduce disruptions
Our team is actively providing affected business owners and residents with the most up-to-date information. You can learn how best to prepare for water main work by visiting SPU's webpage for tips on preparing for a water outage. If you have any specific questions or require further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Route40@seattle.gov.
Water service impacts will vary based on construction progress and the location of infrastructure upgrades. Specific buildings in Fremont will experience disruptions at different times throughout the project and for varying durations as we complete these essential improvements.
- Notifications will be shared via the project email list at least one week in advance. You can subscribe here.
- Flyers with detailed information will also be distributed to buildings that will be impacted five days before the scheduled shut off.
WSDOT Revive I-5 and Ship Canal Bridge Preservation Project
As part of WSDOT’s effort to preserve and repair I-5, they will be fully closing northbound I-5 from I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street between July 18- 21.
This weekend’s critical watermain infrastructure work is being thoughtfully planned to minimize disruptions during WSDOT’s closure. This includes scheduling work during off-peak hours to reduce traffic impacts. Our goal is to keep neighborhood disruptions to a minimum while completing these essential infrastructure upgrades in Fremont.
We encourage residents and commuters to plan ahead and, if possible, consider alternative transportation options to avoid delays.
Construction in the Fremont neighborhood is scheduled through 2025.
To learn more about construction in Fremont, check out the construction area and construction activities.
Fremont project area: N 36th St between 2nd Ave NW and N 35th St, and Fremont Ave N between N 34th and N 36th St
What's happening in Westlake?
Updated July 14, 2025
We have begun installing new bus lane markings and we will continue the work this week.
Where on Westlake Ave N will bus only lanes be installed?
- Westlake Ave N between 4th Ave N and 9th Ave N in both the northbound and southbound directions. There will be a new two-way center turn lane to help drivers access businesses and homes along the street.
Route 40 is the 5th highest ridership route in the King County Metro bus network with more than 8,500 average weekday daily boardings (Fall 2024) – an 11% increase from Fall 2023. Since the pandemic, ridership has grown every year. Learn more about Route 40 ridership by visiting the King County Metro Rider Dashboard.
Once the Route 40 project is complete, we’re expecting 5-10% transit travel time reductions overall, and approximately 14-17% travel time reductions between Ballard and Downtown specifically.
After the Route 40 project is completed, we will install a pilot project called Freight and Bus (FAB) lanes in this area.
To learn more, please read our bus-only lane Westlake Ave N flyer or click on our blog.
What’s happening on Holman Road NW and in North Aurora?
Striping and bus-only lane markings on Holman Rd N, between 3rd Ave NW and N104th St, have been installed. The center turn lane was removed to accommodate these transit improvements.
These transit enhancements are designed to improve transit reliability and travel time for Route 40 riders while maintaining access for local businesses and residents.
Route 40 is the 5th highest ridership route in the King County Metro bus network with more than 8,500 average weekday daily boardings (Fall 2024) – an 11% increase from Fall 2023. Since the pandemic, ridership has grown every year. Learn more about Route 40 ridership by visiting the King County Metro Rider Dashboard.
Once the Route 40 project is complete, we’re expecting 5-10% transit travel time reductions overall, and approximately 14-17% travel time reductions between Ballard and Downtown specifically.
Read our bus-only lane North Seattle flyer or click on our blog for more information
About the Project
Running north to south, Route 40 is 13.5 miles long and passes through the neighborhoods of Northgate, Crown Hill, Loyal Heights, Ballard, Fremont, South Lake Union, Downtown Seattle, and Pioneer Square.
Route 40 is the 5th highest ridership route in the Metro Network. Over 8,500 average weekday daily boardings (Fall 2024) — an 11% increase from Fall 2023. Since the pandemic, ridership has grown every year. Learn more about Route 40 ridership by visiting the King County Metro Rider Dashboard.
Route 40 buses are scheduled to arrive every 5 to 10 minutes during peak periods and stops are located approximately every quarter mile throughout the route. However, buses on this route are often slow and unreliable, impacting thousands of people who rely on transit. This project will provide faster and more reliable transit service for Route 40 and other bus routes that share the corridor. Once completed we are expecting 5-10% transit travel time reductions, and approximately 14-17% reductions between Ballard and Downtown.
In addition to the transit travel time savings, this project will maintain and modernize vital infrastructure in our neighborhoods. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will replace a 100-year-old water main under Fremont Ave N between N 34th St and N 35th St (a block north of Fremont Bridge). SDOT and SPU are working together to minimize traffic impacts by completing needed street and utility infrastructure upgrades at the same time, reducing the need for more street closures in the future.
Please continue reading to learn more about the improvements we're making.
Key Transit Connections
Route 40 connects with some of the highest ridership routes in our system, such as the RapidRide C, D, and E Lines, as well as Route 44. Additionally, Route 40 ends at the Northgate Transit Center, where many regional transit routes come together. Route 40 connects to the Northgate Link light rail station, completed in October 2021, and will connect to the Ballard station to be completed in 2037-39.
Project Map
Route 40 improvements include:
Neighborhoods - Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a bike lane being added on Fremont Ave N if this is a bus project?
During our comprehensive review at the beginning of this project, Fremont Ave N between N 34th St and N 35th St was identified as a priority street in all our modal plans (i.e., Frequent Transit Network, the Bicycle Master Plan, the Freight Master Plan, and its designation as a Pedestrian Zone).
Given our unique opportunity with this project to completely rebuild the right-of-way on this block, and our commitment to fulfilling our modal plan goals, we are including a new northbound bike lane on this block in our design plans. This block has been a gap in the bike network and adding the bike lane will enhance the safety and efficiency for those who bike across the Fremont bridge and up the Fremont hill.
What are bus bulbs and why are they being added?
- Bus bulbs are curb extensions that widen the sidewalk to meet the traffic lane, allowing buses to stop and board passengers without ever leaving the travel lane.
- Bus bulbs help buses move faster and more reliably by decreasing the amount of time lost due to
merging in and out of traffic. - Bus bulbs also provide ample space for passengers to wait without obstructing the sidewalk.
Why is the bus stop on Fremont Ave N being split into two stops?
There are two primary reasons why the existing bus stop will need to be split into two stops:
- Improving travel times and reliability for all routes that serve the existing stop
- Increasing safety and predictability for all travel modes, whether you are biking, taking the bus, driving, walking, or rolling
The bus stop on the east side of Fremont Ave N between N 34th St and N 35th St serves Routes 31, 32, 40, and 62. It is heavily used by all types of riders, including commuters, students, or people wanting to visit and shop in the Fremont neighborhood. Near this bus stop, you can find:
- An average of 5,250 transit riders across all routes on an average weekday
- An average of 9,630 total vehicles driving by this stop each day
- An average of 360 bikes traveling northbound on this block each day
All of this traffic makes this one block highly congested, particularly in the afternoon peak period and after bridge openings.
The high volumes of traffic and high frequency of buses pose challenges for all users, whether you are walking, biking, taking transit, or driving a car. Our data shows that the various routes can arrive at the singular stop at the same time, causing the buses to “bunch” at this stop. Bunching causes all traffic to be delayed. With the existing stop, buses also need to weave in and out of the curbside lane to rejoin traffic. These movements slow down traffic for all users on this block.
Splitting this bus stop into two separate stops will reduce congestion on this block and reduce travel times for all modes of travel.
Additionally, we want to increase safety and limit the number of conflicts between people biking and other modes of transportation. With the proposed northbound protected bike lane on this block, we have explored several options for designing a street where the existing bus stop could be maintained.
However, a shared bus stop and bike lane design on this block would not work due to limited street
width, increased travel delays, and a higher level of conflict among all who travel on Fremont Ave N.
What are the improvements coming to Ballard?
The improvements in Ballard include calming speeds on Leary Ave NW by reducing the number of travel lanes, adding a new traffic signal at 20th Ave NW and Leary Ave NW, an upgraded pedestrian crossing on Leary Ave NW north of 20th Ave NW, and northbound BAT lanes. You can view our Ballard design plans here.
Why are you going from two lanes in each direction to one on Leary Ave NW and what vehicle traffic impacts do you anticipate?
Going from two lanes in each direction to one along Leary Ave NW and installing a two-way left-turn lane in the center encourages people to drive at the posted speed limit, reduces weaving, and limits delays resulting from crashes. Similar changes that were made on W Nickerson St, which is a similar street that has higher volumes (19,000 to 23,000 average weekday daily traffic compared to 10,000 to 13,000 on Leary Ave NW). The vehicle traffic impacts were minimal and the changes were successful without increasing congestion on W Nickerson St or neighboring streets.
What traffic studies have been done for this neighborhood?
Our traffic analysis shows that constructing the Route 40 project results in a 14-17% bus travel time savings in Ballard, contributing to a 5-10% overall transit travel time reduction for the entire route. The biggest time savings come from the bus-only lanes throughout the project corridor.
We compared the Level-of-Service for Build and No Build options and learned that most intersections perform similarly. The tables below show anticipated LOS at the studied signalized intersections, all way stop control (AWSC) intersections, and two-way stop control (TWSC) intersections.
One exception is the AM peak hour at the two-way stop at Leary Ave NW and NW Dock Pl. It operates at a lower level of service (LOS E) in the Build Option compared to LOS C in the No Build Option. This is because changing the number of lanes on Leary Ave NW to one through-lane in each direction makes it harder for people stopped at NW Dock Pl to find a gap to proceed onto Leary Ave NW. The travel times for vehicles on Leary Ave NW would be similar to current conditions. The other exception for LOS change is at Leary Ave NW and 20th Ave NW, which improves in the PM peak hour due to a new traffic signal being installed at this intersection.
How many parking spaces will be removed?
We recognize that the removal of on-street parking can be impactful. We aim to only remove curb access and parking spaces when necessary.
When we make curb changes, we consider a wide variety of factors, including addressing needs for goods and services delivery, encouraging vehicle turnover, the availability of curb access elsewhere, and how enhancements to the multimodal transportation system can encourage less driving. While some paid parking on NW Market St will be removed, we will maintain commercial and passenger loading zones for buildings on this block. Additionally, we have plans to install a new loading zone near the NW Market St and 24th Ave NW intersection, north side, to provide more curbside space for other businesses in the area. We will also continue to work with businesses to address loading and unloading zones.
SDOT Curbside team is examining as part of the Route 40 project to add paid parking on currently time-limit blocks on parts of NW 20th and parts of Leary way. As an example near the game store, 4-hour paid parking as is out there already would provide time for customers and help with vehicle turnover on the main streets.
Will new loading and unloading spaces be added?
We know that load zones are vital for businesses. We have plans to install a new load zone near the NW Market St and 24th Ave NW intersection, north side, to provide more curbside space for other businesses in the area. We will also continue to work with businesses to address loading needs, and if businesses have a request, please let the project team know or email DOT_ROAD@Seattle.gov.
How much travel time is this going to save transit riders in Ballard?
Our traffic analysis shows that constructing the Route 40 project results in a 14-17% bus travel time savings in Ballard, contributing to a 5-10% overall transit travel time reduction for the entire route. The biggest time savings come from the bus-only lanes throughout the project corridor.
What are the improvements coming to North Seattle?
A new northbound business access and transit (BAT) lane will be added to Holman Rd NW.
The two-way center turn lane will be maintained to allow left-turns onto side streets. You can view our design plans here.
What is a business access and transit lane and why is it being added?
Business access and transit (BAT) lanes are proven tools that improve travel times and bus reliability for riders. BAT lanes restrict access to buses to increase reliability for riders. These BAT lanes allow people driving and other vehicles to enter the lane to make right turns at intersections or to turn into driveways.
The upgrades to Holman Rd NW increase transit travel times and reliability for Route 40 by giving it a dedicated lane. Mid-block left turns will be maintained in the two-way center turn lane to maintain access to and from side streets and Holman Rd NW.
What traffic studies have been done for this neighborhood?
You can read through SDOT’s full traffic analysis as well as the summary submitted for the State Environmental Policy Act to learn more about the data the supports the need for improvements along Holman Rd NW.
Can you add a crosswalk here? How are the decisions made to install crosswalks?
We understand the importance of pedestrian safety and welcome feedback from community members who would like a crosswalk to be marked in their neighborhood. When considering locations for new crosswalks, signals, and intersection upgrades, we first conduct an engineering study to determine whether a marked crosswalk is the best improvement for that location using a set of criteria, such as the number of lanes to cross, traffic volumes, and expected usage.
Project Schedule
- Planning (2019-2021): We collected traffic data, reviewed plans, and gathered community experiences to define options.
- Design (2021-2023): We are collaborating with the community, working to secure regulatory approval (e.g., Environmental Assessment), and developing a more detailed final design.
- Construction (2024-2026): We will construct the project and keep the community informed on the latest construction updates, schedule, and expected impacts.
Funding
This project is being funded by the 9-year Levy to Move Seattle, approved by voters in 2015 to improve safety for all travelers, maintain our streets and bridges, and invest in reliable, affordable travel options for a growing city. Additional sources include federal grants, state grants, King County Metro funds, and Vehicle Licensing Fees from the Seattle Transit Benefit District.
Community Outreach
40+ Briefings
with community groups, property and business owners, and advisory boards
20+ Email Updates
to community members
2 Online Open Houses
for community members
7 Door-to-door Outreach
activities with business owners and neighbors
7 Tabling Events
along the project corridor
6 Surveys
with riders and community members
Tabling outreach event June 2023 in Fremont. (Picture credit SDOT)
Since 2020, we’ve been working with project partners, community members, and neighborhood organizations to gather feedback to help shape the design of the street improvements for the Route 40 project. At key design milestones, we’ve conducted surveys, hosted briefings, and been in the community to gather feedback. Feedback from the survey respondents can be found here:
- Spring 2020 survey summary
- Spring 2021 outreach summary
- Spring 2022 outreach summary
- Summer 2023 outreach summary
To see the full list of outreach activities completed during the planning and design phases, please view the Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Outreach Activities Report.
Additional Resources
Construction Information
- Route 40 Construction Scope (Dec 2024)
- Route 40 Construction Plans Fremont (Dec 2024)
- Route 40 Construction Plans Westlake (Dec 2024)
Fact Sheets
- Project fact sheet Westlake (January 2025)
- Project fact sheet (May 2022)
- Project fact sheet (May 2022 - Spanish)
- Project fact sheet (May 2022 - Traditional Chinese)
- Project fact sheet (May 2022 - Simplified Chinese)
- Project fact sheet (June 2020)
- Project fact sheet (June 2020 - Arabic)
- Project fact sheet (June 2020 - Spanish)
- Watermain Construction Fact Sheet (February 2024)
- Curb Bulb Fact Sheet (February 2024)
FAQs
- Online Open House - Project Overview and Upcoming Construction presentation – questions, comments, and answers (January 2025)
- Fremont Neighborhood Council: Project Overview & Upcoming Construction presentation – questions and answers (February 2025)
- Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Frequently Asked Questions (January 2024)
- Fremont Neighborhood Frequently Asked Questions (Spring/Summer 2023)
Traffic Analysis
- Fremont Neighborhood Traffic Analysis (Summer 2023)
- 2021 Traffic Analysis (January 2021)
Design Documents
- Final design documents(November 2023)
- 60% design documents (Spring/Summer 2023)
Outreach Events and Summaries
- Business and Neighborhood Organization Feedback Summary (November 2023)
- Summer 2023 Outreach Summary (Summer 2023)
- What We Heard and What We're Doing (Spring 2023)
- What We Heard and What We’re Doing (May 2022)
- Spring 2022 Outreach Summary
- Spring 2021 Outreach Summary (May 2021)
- Spring 2020 Survey Summary (March 2020)
- Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor (TPMC) – Online Open House
Stakeholder Presentations
- Online Open House - Project Overview and Upcoming Construction presentation (January 2025)
- Fremont Neighborhood Council: Project Overview & Upcoming Construction presentation (February 2025)
- Fremont Neighborhood Council Briefing Presentation (January 2024)
- Spring Outreach Presentation (April 2021)
- Seattle Fright Advisory Board Presentation (March 2021)
- Seattle Transit Advisory Board Presentation (March 2021)
- Route 40 Evaluation Framework Memorandum (February 2020)
- Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board presentation (August 2020)
- Seattle Transit Advisory Board presentation (August 2020)
- Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board presentation (October 2020)
- Seattle Freight Advisory Board presentation (October 2020)
SDOT has determined that the Route 40 Transit-Plus Multimodal Corridor Project will not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. As a result, SDOT issued a Determination of Non-significance (DNS) on May 22, 2023. This decision was made after review of the adopted National Environmental Policy Act Documented Categorical Exclusion (DCE) Worksheet and technical reports.
Please see the DNS below for more information.
SEPA Documents
Translation
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Related Projects
Our project team is in close coordination with the following projects. Please visit their webpage to see the latest update:
- 15th Ave W/NW and Ballard Bridge Paving and Safety Project
- Ship Canal Water Quality Project
- RapidRide J Line - Formerly RapidRide Roosevelt
- Sound Transit Northgate Station
- "Missing Link" Bike Route Study on NW Market St - Leary Ave NW - 17th Ave NW
- N 102nd St/Aurora Ave N Pedestrian Bridge
- 13th Ave NW/Holman Rd NW Pedestrian Bridge Seismic Retrofit