Continuing high temperatures have led to crowded Bellingham parks and nearby roadways, creating some unsafe conditions. It is important that drivers and others exercise caution and:
- Do not park in bike lanes or roadways or block sightlines
- Honor all park rules and “parking lot full” signs
- Follow directions from flaggers and park security attendants
- Drive cautiously near parks and crowded areas, watch for pedestrians
- Be prepared for heat and street conditions
Additionally, National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday and other festivals, concerts and events could increase traffic throughout Bellingham. These city street construction projects could also impact travel. Please travel with care, especially around city parks.
Padden Creek improvements – 24th to 30th streets
Construction has begun on a habitat improvement project along Padden Creek between the confluence of Connelly Creek and the upstream footbridge. Crews and equipment will access the site from Old Fairhaven Parkway. The Connelly Creek trail will remain open. The project will create and enhance existing wetlands, add complexity to the stream habitat and will remove invasive plant species. For more information, visit the Padden Creek Improvements Webpage or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., via camueller@cob.org or (360) 778-7922.
Little Squalicum Estuary
Construction crews continue geotechnical work for this habitat project at Little Squalicum Park. Crews and equipment will access the site from Lindbergh Drive. The east trail will be fully closed on the water side of Marine Drive and beach access is closed. The Park will remain open on the land side of Marine Drive, with access from Bellingham Technical College and West Illinois Street. For more information, visit the Little Squalicum Estuary project webpage or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., via fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
City Operations Center – Pacific and Carolina streets
The City’s new Operations Center and vehicle barn are on track for completion by the end of the year. For more information, visit the City Operations buildings project webpage.
Mill Avenue overlay
Final restoration continues on the Mill Avenue overlay project and its pedestrian access ramp. Traffic impacts and access limitations continue, with road closures and one-way access along Samish Way; detours will be posted. To learn more, visit the Mill Avenue overlay project website.
West Cemetery Creek water quality improvements
Access work continues, including installation of sediment control-and-capture structures along with stormwater outfall repairs to reduce sediment in the creek and improve its stability. For more, visit the West Cemetery Creek Water Quality Improvements or West Cemetery project webpages.
State and Ellis – bridge replacement
The old wood-supported bridge over Whatcom Creek has been replaced with a single-span concrete structure. Wooden piles within the creek have been removed and the in-stream habitat below the bridge restored. For more information, visit the State and Ellis bridge replacement project webpage.
Stormwater facility rebuild – Park Place
Crews are on-site for the next few weeks to activate the stormwater facility at 123 Park Place, which was rebuilt to remove phosphorus from stormwater heading to Lake Whatcom. Increased construction traffic to the site could occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. To learn more, visit the Park Place Water Quality Facility Reconstruction project webpage.
Sanitary sewer rehab – Whatcom Creek
At times, bypass and sewer rehabilitation work will require closure and detouring of a portion of the Whatcom Creek trail and may include short-term impacts to traffic on James Street or Meador Avenue south of the creek. For a map of the trail closure and more information, visit the Whatcom Creek Trunk Main website.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
WSDOT recommends planning ahead for summer travel, as there continues to be work on I-5. Real time traffic information is available via WSDOT traffic app or via the WSDOT north Twitter feed.
Whatcom County
The County continues chip seal work, which could delay traffic on those roads. For locations, and other updates on County projects near Bellingham, visit the Whatcom County Public Works website.
This report is provided as a public service based on currently available information. When traveling through a construction area – whether walking, cycling or driving – be patient and obey flaggers. Road closures and restrictions are necessary to allow for work such as resurfacing, sidewalk construction, water and sewer main work or utility cuts. Dates, times and work locations may vary, depending on weather or work schedule changes. For more information, email AskPW@cob.org.
