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Seattle, Washington
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The Ballard Bridge is a bascule bridge, meaning it has a moveable span that can be raised to allow boats to pass through the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
The bridge was completed in 1917, making it over a century old and a significant piece of Seattle's infrastructure history.
It carries 15th Avenue NW, a vital north-south arterial road connecting the Ballard neighborhood to downtown Seattle.
The bridge's ability to open is crucial for the passage of large vessels traveling between Puget Sound and Lake Washington.
In the late 1930s, the bridge underwent major upgrades to accommodate increased traffic and improve safety.
The Ballard Bridge features a utilitarian design typical of early 20th-century bascule bridges, focusing on functionality over ornamentation.
The surrounding areas of the bridge are known for birdwatching, with various species frequenting the nearby waters and green spaces.
