The Seattle Department of Transportation, in collaboration with King County Metro, is planning upgrades to improve Metro Route 44 service by promoting faster travel, better schedule reliability and enhanced bus stops.

The department is hosting a community open house Sept. 16 for residents to learn about the proposed changed for the Northwest Market Street and 45th Street corridor that connects Ballard with Wallingford and the University District.

The proposed changes for Market Street are based upon a “complete streets” approach, which equally considers the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, freight, transit and automobiles, according to a Department of Transportation press release.

The proposed changes will include eastbound and westbound bus bulbs, which extend the sidewalks and allow buses to pick up and drop off passengers while remaining in the traffic lane, at Market Street and 11th Avenue Northwest and Market Street and 28th Avenue Northwest.

Some lower-ridership bus stops will be proposed for closure to help speed up buses through the corridor.

On Market Street at 24th Avenue Northwest, improvements will be made to promote transit operation through the intersection, according to the press release.

The Department of Transportation had originally looked at installing right-turn-only lanes, except for buses, at 24th Avenue and Market Street. That plan caused an outcry from some Ballard residents and businesses and prompted the Ballard District Council to write a letter asking the department to reconsider.

While the turn-only lanes are no longer part of the plan, there have been other changes made to the intersection, project manager Jeff Bender said.

In addition, “transit signal priority,” which gives buses the green light, will be added to Market Street and 17th Avenue Northwest and Market Street and Northwest 54th Street.

A total funding package has not yet been secured, so it is likely the implementation will be carried out in phases between 2011 and 2014, according to the press release.

For more information about the changes proposed for the corridor and to view the design plans, provide feedback and chat with the project team, the Department of Transportation is welcoming residents to drop by the open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 16 in Conference Room A at the Ballard Swedish Medical Center, located at 5300 Tallman Ave. N.W.

Click here to visit the project website.