Salmon Bay Bridge, Ship Canal and Ballard Locks

The bridge was built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway and has an opening span of 200 feet. The Ship Canal connects the salt water inland sea of Puget Sound with the freshwater of Lake Washington, which is 20 feet higher than Puget Sound. Boats are lowered and raised between the two different levels via the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known as the Ballard Locks. The locks can be seen on the side of the train opposite Puget Sound about a quarter of a mile away. Most of the boats passing through the canal to Lake Washington are recreational traffic with occasional barges transporting various commercial products.

The Salmon Bay Bridge welcomes you to the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The Lake Washington Ship Canal connects Lake Washington with Puget Sound, bridging fresh and saltwater and adjusts for the 20-foot water level difference. The canal flows east-west, linking Union Bay, Montlake Cut, Portage Bay, Lake Union, Fremont Cut, Salmon Bay, and Shilshole Bay. Its history dates back to 18 54 when Thomas Mercer proposed the idea. Actual construction started in 1911 and was completed in 1934. Before the canal, Lake Washington drained into the Duwamish River via the Black River. Originally envisioned for log transportation, the project gained momentum with Navy interest in the late 1800s. Despite delays, it spurred infrastructure development in Seattle, ultimately reshaping regional waterways. The Ballard Locks are located in the west of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The Ballard Locks in Seattle hold the distinction of being the busiest locks in the United States, facilitating more boat traffic than any other. Beyond their practical function, they, along with the adjacent fish ladder and the enchanting Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens, draw over one million visitors each year, solidifying their status as one of Seattle's premier tourist destinations. Their construction had a profound impact on Seattle's landscape, significantly altering the topography of the area. By lowering the water levels of Lake Washington and Lake Union by 8.8 feet (2.7 meters), the locks created miles of new waterfront land. They also reversed the flow of rivers and left piers in the eastern half of Salmon Bay elevated and dry. Recognized for their historical significance, the Ballard Locks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and have been honored by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Their legacy not only encompasses their practical contributions but also their role in shaping the city's identity and attracting visitors from far and wide.

1. Crowley, Walt (July 1, 1999), "Lake Washington Ship Canal", HistoryLink
2. Eastside Heritage Center (2006). Lake Washington: The East Side. San Francisco: Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-0738531069.
3. Ficken, Robert E. (January 1986). "Seattle's 'Ditch': The Corps of Engineers and the Lake Washington Ship Canal". Pacific Northwest Quarterly. 77 (1): 11–20.