Now that it's officially spring, there may be more activity on city streets as cyclists mount their bikes and other heads to ballfields and parks. It continues to be important to watch for 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. Trench and directional drilling pipe installation is largely complete. This coming week will bring noise near the playground as crews trench through sandstone bedrock. Work this week centers around the bathrooms and creek, as excavation and installation begin for the underground sewer structures that will hold the sanitary sewer pumps. If the weather holds, this work should be completed in April. 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. Work is expected to 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. 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. NOTE: drivers may notice Puget Sound Energy crews on-site this weekend (March 23-24) to complete utility work that must be done before paving. 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
Work is underway 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. 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 at Arctic Avenue. The new street will accommodate nearby 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 wrapping up the last bit of work associated with replacing the old watermain on Donovan Avenue, adding the “turtles” and traffic markings. The street is open to traffic, but drivers may experience delays if flaggers are on-site. For more, visit the project web page or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., project engineer, at camueller@cob.org or (360) 778-7922.
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.
