With parades and event to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17, there will be increased activity on city streets. Meanwhile it continues to be important to watch for weather-related street damage, as well as new and continuing street construction projects. Please travel with care.
Lake Padden Park – sewer projects
Work is underway to replace sewer facilities in and around the restrooms at Lake Padden Park near the dog park and playground, with trenching for new sewer lines extending through the ballfields and along Lakeshore Road to Samish Way. Weather-permitting, this work should be complete by early May. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Larry Scholten, P.E., project engineer, at LJScholten@cob.org or (360) 778-7923.
Cornwall Avenue at Laurel Street
Construction is progressing on this project to deliver new public and franchise utilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, parking, landscaping and street lighting, and street access to the waterfront. Please note the new traffic flow on Roeder at Granary. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
Granary Avenue
Construction is complete on Phase 1 of Granary and Laurel and folks can now utilize Granary Avenue to access the waterfront and Port parking facilities from Roeder Avenue. Light fixture modifications have been completed and the roadway is now open for public access. For more, visit the project web page or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
E. Maplewood Ave, W. Illinois Street, Lorraine Ellis Court – watermain replacements
Construction continues on Lorraine Ellis Court and on W. Illinois between Lynn Street and Northwest Avenue and on E. Maplewood Avenue. Watermain pressure testing will begin on the sections of watermain that have been installed and, weather-permitting, construction vehicles will be on-site installing additional watermains. Traffic control will be in place and short detours may be necessary during some work. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Larry Scholten, P.E., project engineer, at LJScholten@cob.org or (360) 778-7923.
Roeder Avenue – Squalicum Parkway to Whatcom Waterway
An overlay project is in progress to resurface Roeder Avenue from Squalicum Parkway to the Whatcom Waterway bridge. In addition to resurfacing, the sidewalks are being replaced due to tree root impacts, and conduit is being installed at the eastern end of the project, while sidewalk has been poured at the western end of the project and is moving east. No detours anticipated and two-way traffic will be maintained. Access to waterfront businesses will be maintained. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., Project Engineer, at camueller@cob.org or (360) 778-7922.
Stuart Road and Cordata Parkway – roundabout
Work is underway to construct a multimodal roundabout at the intersection of Stuart and Cordata. The roundabout will provide access to Whatcom Community College and the Cordata neighborhood and the new planned park. Stuart Road on the west side of Cordata Parkway will have restricted access (right in, right out only) and on the east side of Cordata, Stuart will also be right in and right out only. Road users should expect delays, with work lasting through Spring 2019. For more information, visit the City's project web page or contact Sam Shipp, P.E., project engineer, at sshipp@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
Lakeway Drive and Lincoln Street (pictured above)
Work has resumed to install new pedestrian crossing signals (flashing HAWK crossings on or near Lakeway) and a flasher on Samish Way. In addition, traffic-calming islands will be under construction on Nevada Street. The Lincoln Street HAWK signal is now functional; however, travelers can expect lane closures and minor delays while contractors finish this work at the other locations. Depending on the weather, additional striping work on Lakeway and Puget may occur as well. Once complete, this project will provide a bike boulevard, new sidewalks, ramps, wayfinding and restoration, and new pedestrian crossing signals. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
Mahogany Avenue – Northwest to Pacific Highway
Mahogany Avenue is open, including the intersection of Arctic Avenue with Mahogany. The new street will accommodate nearby new and proposed development. While the street is open to traffic, the contractor is still finishing up some work and will be on-site at times. Roadway improvements include two travel lanes, bike lanes, illumination, landscaping, curbing, gutter and sidewalks. For more information, contact Sam Shipp, P.E., project engineer, at sshipp@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
Donovan Avenue – 21st Street to east of 24th Street (Connolly Creek)
We are finally wrapping up the last bit of work associated with replacing the old watermain on Donovan Avenue – putting on the “turtles” and traffic markings. The street is open to traffic, but drivers can expect delays with flaggers will on-site to direct vehicles around workers. For more, visit the project web page or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., project engineer, at camueller@cob.org or (360) 778-7922.
Meador Avenue bridge – travel restriction (pictured below)
Good news: the weight restriction on the Meador Avenue bridge over Whatcom Creek, east of State Street and near the school district bus barn, has been lifted. A repair is now in place until funding is available for a bridge replacement. The bridge had been closed to vehicles over 5 tons after a routine inspection revealed some rot in the wood substructure.
WSDOT and Whatcom County
The State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) may have projects that border Bellingham. For more information visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/. For updates on Whatcom County Public Works traffic projects near Bellingham, visit http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/308/Public-Works.
We provide this “road report” as a public service, based on currently available information. When traveling through a construction area – whether walking, cycling or driving – please be patient, travel with care and obey flaggers at all times. And in dark weather, please make sure you're visible to others. Planned road closures and restrictions are necessary to allow for a variety of work including resurfacing, sidewalk construction, water and sewer main work, and utility cuts. Dates, times and work locations may change, depending on inclement weather or last-minute changes in work schedules. Questions? Please contact AskPW@cob.org.
