This project continues the City’s decades-long commitment to improving fish passage, recently formalized in a voluntary Memorandum of Agreement with Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe, and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The two partial fish barriers on Squalicum Creek near West Street are high priorities for improvement based on the City’s Fish Barrier Implementation Plan. Improving fish passage helps increase survival of salmon and trout in the Squalicum Creek watershed by allowing fish to access to upstream quality habitat for laying eggs (spawning) and rearing. This project also helps fulfill the stream restoration component of the Squalicum Creek Park Master Plan . This project benefits anadromous Chinook, coho, and chum salmon, steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout, and resident fish species. Both Chinook and steelhead are currently listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The project builds upon previous fish passage improvements that were completed at James Street and I-5 and provides fish access to restored upstream habitat completed as part of the Squalicum Creek Re-route restoration projects . Existing Culverts This project improves partial fish barriers at two crossings near West Street at the entrance to Squalicum Creek Park. The upstream culvert goes diagonally under both West Street and then Squalicum Way, and the downstream culvert goes under Squalicum Way just downstream of the confluence of the Willow Spring tributary. Both culverts will be replaced with 100% fish-passable structures. Squalicum Creek Culvert at West Street and Squalicum WaySqualicum Creek Culvert at Squalicum Way and Willow Spring

A NOAA grant was awarded to the Nooksack Indian Tribe for $300,000 to be used for 30% design for two high-priority fish passage solutions on Squalicum Creek. The City of Bellingham was able to identify an additional $90,000 to meet the contract requirements for the 30% design. In March 2025, 30% Design was awarded to Osborn Consulting for $385,067.63.

Columbia Archives

Squalicum Creek at West Street Fish Passage Improvements Project

Old culvert with stream running through it and overgrown vegetation around it

The Squalicum Creek at West Street Fish Passage Improvement Project is part of a coordinated, strategic approach to fish barrier removal in Bellingham, and one of many projects completed or in the works in the Squalicum Creek watershed. This project will replace two partial fish passage barriers in the main channel of Squalicum Creek adjacent ... Read more

Cornwall Memorial Park Sport Court Resurfacing

This project consists of renovating the two existing tennis courts to three new pickleball courts and one tennis court.

Little Squalicum Creek Water Quality Improvements Phase 2

Large structure being lowered underground

Proposed Project Overview This proposed project is part of a multi-phased approach to improve water quality in Little Squalicum Creek and the new Little Squalicum Estuary by reducing pollution in rainwater runoff – or stormwater – from the Birchwood neighborhood. This second phase is expected to add underground stormwater treatment vaults at the following intersections: ... Read more

Eldridge Bike Lane Pilot Project

The Eldridge Pilot Project added improvements along Eldridge Avenue from Broadway to Nequalicum, enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The project involved removing street parking to install 5-foot wide marked bike lanes with 2-foot buffers, along with significant improvements to four pedestrian crossings. Project Status – May 2025: Based on post-project data showing ... Read more

Little Squalicum Creek Water Quality Improvements Phase 3

Construction work next to a street with an excavator digging a trench.

Project Overview This project is the third phase of a multi-phased approach to treat polluted runoff (stormwater) that enters Little Squalicum Creek from developed land in the Birchwood Neighborhood. The project will install stormwater treatment systems, such as bioretention or enhanced treatment Best Management Practice (BMP) systems, to treat approximately 145.5 acres of stormwater, improving ... Read more

Eldridge Avenue Bridge Reconstruction (Squalicum Creek)

Project Overview- ER018 This project will reconstruct and widen the existing bridge over Squalicum Creek which was originally built in 1937. The new bridge will include one vehicle travel lane in each direction, separated bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides. Project Status – Spring 2025 Geotechnical and survey work is taking place to prepare ... Read more