Now that it's officially summer, no surprise that the weather forecast for this weekend is sunny and hot. So the weather, along with a couple block parties and the Lake Padden Triathlon, could make Saturday's travel tricky. Beyond these traffic impacts and driver distractions, there are some potential road closures due to ongoing construction projects. As always, it is important to focus on pedestrians and cyclists as well as traffic conditions. Unless otherwise noted, businesses near street construction ARE open.
12th Street – at Mill Avenue
Construction is underway on a street project at 12th and Mill. The project includes removal of a portion of 12th Street north of Mill Avenue and construction of a new connection from Finnegan Way to 12th Street. The Library will remain open, although there may be temporary lane revisions and on-street parking restrictions. Work begins with saw cutting pavement and site preparation. For more information, contact Sam Shipp, P.E., project engineer, at sshipp@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
James Street – at Woodstock Way
Woodstock Way is now closed for work on the intersection of Woodstock and James Street. There may be travel delays as drivers will be redirected around Sunset Square Center from Woodstock throughout this project, which is being done to improve safety as well as pedestrian and bicycle route connectivity. James Street will remain open to traffic until it can be routed to the new Woodstock way. For more information, visit the City's web page, Woodstock Intersection Improvements, or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., project engineer, camueller@cob.org or (360) 778-7922.
Holly Street – from Railroad Avenue to Bay Street
Work to upgrade sidewalks and repave Holly Street between Railroad and Bay is its final days. Traffic flagging and pedestrian route detours continue as final sidewalk and striping work are completed. Parking on Holly Street may be closed occasionally (parking should be available on cross streets and in the Commercial Street Parking Garage.) For more information, contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
West Holly Street – from Central Avenue to Broadway
Pavement striping is now complete and few traffic interruptions on this corridor are likely, as this project is nearly done. The contractor is removing equipment and completing final cleanup at the project staging area. For more information, visit the City's web page for the 2016 Watermain Replacement Program or contact Stephen Day, P.E., project engineer, at smday@cob.org or (360) 778-7944.
Silver Beach Ave and Arbor Court
Construction on the City's new water pretreatment plant inside Whatcom Falls Park will be limited to a four-day week, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, with occasional Friday work. Park visitors may experience traffic associated with that work with periodic flagging and limited trail access. Construction may be impacted by inclement weather. Parking at Arbor Court and adjacent access to the waterline trail is closed through 2018. For more information, visit the City's web page at DAF Water Treatment Plant or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
WSDOT and Whatcom County
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) often have projects scheduled in or near Bellingham – such as the emergency repair of a lane of southbound I-5. To find out, visit the Washington State Department of Transportation. For updates on Whatcom County Public Works traffic projects near Bellingham, visit http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/308/Public-Works.
Your Public Works staff provides 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, proceed with caution and obey flaggers at all times. 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. For questions, contact AskPW@cob.org.
