With the worst of the winter’s snow storms apparently behind us (knock wood), drivers may notice some weather-related street damage. That’s one thing to watch for, but there’s more. With the improving weather, several street construction projects have resumed. It continues to be important to travel with care. Especially where it may still be icy.
FYI: information Open House Tuesday, Feb. 26, regarding upcoming State and City street projects for Sunset Drive and Mount Baker Highway. Event is 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bellingham Christian School, 1600 E. Sunset Drive.
Cornwall Avenue at Laurel Street (pictured)
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. Cornwall is reduced to one-lane travel for several weeks while the intersection with Laurel is rebuilt. There is a temporary traffic light in place during construction at the intersection of Cornwall and Laurel. 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 community members can now utilize Granary Avenue to access the waterfront and Port parking facilities from Roeder Avenue. Please note the new traffic flow on Roeder at Granary and posted signs regarding weather advisories and closures. 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 is underway on W. Illinois Street between Lynn Street and Northwest Avenue and is expected to begin on Lorraine Ellis Court. Weather-permitting, construction vehicles will be on-site installing (and repairing) 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 will be replaced due to tree root impacts, and conduit will be installed. We are now working to modify tree wells with root guards to eliminate impacts in the future with the planter wells being replanted with appropriate tree species. No detours are anticipated and two-way traffic will be maintained. Access to waterfront businesses will be maintained. For more information, visit the city’s 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
Work has resumed to install four 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. Travelers can expect lane closures and minor delays while contractors finish this work. Depending on the weather, additional striping work on Lakeway and Puget may occur as well. When 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)
Work to replace the old watermain on Donovan Avenue is done and paving is complete. Restoration work is mostly done, with only traffic markings left to complete, weather permitting. Donovan is now open to traffic. For more information, 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
There are weight restrictions in place on the Meador Avenue bridge over Whatcom Creek, east of State Street and near the school district bus barn. Due to some rot in the wood substructure of the bridge, discovered during ongoing inspection and repair, the bridge is closed to vehicles over 5 tons until a temporary repair or total bridge replacement can be completed.
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.
