Winter weather, street construction could impact traffic
This time of year, winter weather is a concern for travelers. City crews are busy preparing the streets for inclement weather and then clearing, salting and sanding when it arrives. Other potential traffic impacts include several City street projects. Please travel with care, alert to pedestrians and cyclists in the dark.
NOTE: starting in 2023, the information contained here will be included with other City of Bellingham news. Watch for “Inside Bellingham Weekly” – coming soon.
Electrification of Transportation, phase 1
Work continues on the City’s Electrification of Transportation project, which includes installation of eight electric vehicle (EV) chargers at six sites throughout Bellingham. This is first of two phases for the project. The first location, at 10th Street near Taylor Dock, is complete and functional (with final striping to be done during warmer weather.) The Cornwall Park EV charger installation is largely complete, awaiting Puget Sound Energy connection confirmation. The Fairhaven Park site is complete and will be operational in January. Work is now underway at the Shuksan Meadows Park location. For more information, visit the Electrification of Transportation project webpage or contact Fritz Anthony, P.E., via fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
Little Squalicum Estuary
Construction crews are performing minor site maintenance while channel designs are confirmed with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. More work is expected to resume early in the new year; however, until then the project site remains closed, as there are on-site hazards. Trails in the project vicinity remain closed, though there is currently limited beach access from West Illinois Street. The park will remain open on the land side of Marine Drive, with access from Bellingham Technical College and West Illinois. For more information, visit the Little Squalicum Estuary project webpage or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., via fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
West Cemetery Creek water quality improvements
This creek bed project is complete, with final tasks underway at both Lakeway Drive and Old Lakeway, drivers may still experience some lane closures and delays westbound at both locations. For more, visit the West Cemetery Creek Water Quality Improvements or West Cemetery project webpages.
Operations Center – Pacific and Carolina streets
The City’s new Pacific Street Operations Center (PSOC) and vehicle barn will be complete later in January or early February. The exteriors are done, though some interior work continues. The new vehicle barn should be complete in time for winter’s worst weather. Nevada Street between Carolina and Virginia streets is now reopened for vehicle travel. For more, check the City Operations buildings project webpage.
Sanitary sewer rehab – Whatcom Creek
Re-lining work is complete. Remaining work includes restoration of Whatcom Creek Trail due to both construction impact and last year’s heavy flooding. No impacts to traffic are anticipated. Whatcom Creek trail will be closed for this work to be done. For more information, or for a map of the trail closure, visit the Whatcom Creek Trunk Main website.
Mill Avenue overlay
Close-out work continues on the Mill Avenue project with the pedestrian ramp handrail due for installation any time. Minor traffic impacts and access limitations may occur as this occurs. To learn more, visit the Mill Avenue overlay project website.
Whatcom County
The County continues a series of road maintenance projects which could impact travel near Bellingham. For information and locations of County road projects with traffic delays near Bellingham, visit the Whatcom County Public Works website.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Real-time traffic information is available via WSDOT traffic app or the WSDOT north Twitter feed.
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.
