April showers bring May flowers, and also some paving. The weather, as well as new and continuing street construction projects, will affect traffic and travel. So please, travel with care.
Cordata sidewalks – Aldrich Road
Construction is commencing on this project to install a bike lane and sidewalk along Aldrich Road from Mahogany Avenue to the existing bike lane and sidewalk just north of Larrabee Road. The new bike lane and sidewalk will complete the sidewalk links along Aldrich Road to Cordata Elementary School. While the street is open to traffic, traffic control including flaggers may be on-site at times. For more information, contact Sam Shipp, P.E., project engineer, at sshipp@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
Lake Padden Park – sewer projects
Work is underway to replace sewer facilities in and around restrooms at Lake Padden Park near the dog park and playground. (Restrooms now open!) Most heavy machinery work is complete. Over the next few weeks, we'll focus on erosion control, some installations, construction of access roads to each lift station, trenching for electrical elements, electrical work within the bathrooms and pump house, and final preparation and finishing of ground surfaces. Weather-permitting, this project is expected to be completed in 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.
Granary Avenue and 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.
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 work will extend into the intersection of Illinois and Lynn streets as well as the intersection of Northwest Avenue and Meridian Street. Along E. Maplewood pressure-testing may begin on sections of installed watermain. Replacement of pre-existing sidewalk land curbing is underway at Illinois and Lynn, and will continue along the project. 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. Weather permitting, Roeder will now be paved on the evenings of April 17-18; new asphalt will be after 6 p.m. Drivers should expect delays. 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 continues on a project 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 a 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
Most construction is complete in the Lakeway and Lincoln area; however, drivers can expect some electrical and site restoration work at various locations within this project over the next few weeks as construction wraps up. This project has delivered 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 and the intersection at Arctic Avenue are open, and will accommodate nearby proposed development. While the street is open to traffic, the contractor is still finishing up some work and may 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.
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.
