Anticipated Construction Impacts

The 30th Street crossing will be constructed over two summers starting in 2024 or 2025. There will likely be traffic delays on 30th Street, although one lane of travel will remain open during construction.

Improving fish passage helps address two of the most significant limiting factors to the survival of salmon and trout within the Padden Creek Watershed – water temperature and habitat availability – by allowing fish to access upstream habitat that provides colder water (i.e. thermal refuge) and quality habitat for laying eggs (spawning) and rearing. Correcting this fish passage barrier is a high priority based on the City's Fish Barrier Prioritization and will benefit anadromous Chinook, coho, and chum salmon, and steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout, and resident fish species. The project also provides improved fish access to habitat restored by the City as part of the Padden Creek 24th to 30th Streets and the Padden Creek Daylighting restoration projects. Downstream of this project, we are also improving fish passage where the interurban trail crosses Padden Creek at 12th and 14th Streets . This project is one of many voluntary fish passage projects within the City of Bellingham. The project honors a Memorandum of Agreement that the City entered in 2022 with the Nooksack Indian Tribe, Lummi Nation, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of a shared commitment to improving fish passage. Existing Culvert Inlet of the existing culvert where 30th Street crosses Padden Creek.Outlet of the existing culvert where 30th Street crosses Padden Creek.

This project is funded through a Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board grant, awarded in 2023. The City of Bellingham's Stormwater Fund 430 is providing funding for early design and grant match.

Public Works Archives

Padden Creek at 30th Street Fish Passage Improvement Project

An old culvert consisting of two metal pipes where a creek crosses under a road.

Project Overview The Padden Creek at 30th St. Fish Passage Improvement Project is part of a well-coordinated, strategic approach to fish barrier removal. This project will remove a City-owned fish passage barrier located where 30th Street crosses Padden Creek. Removing this barrier will make the crossing 100% passable for fish. This barrier is ranked as ... Read more

Padden Creek at 12th and 14th Streets Fish Passage Improvement Projects

Two concrete pipes in a stream. Water levels are low and one of the pipes is dry.

This project will remove fish passage barriers in Padden Creek at two interurban trail crossings.

Little Squalicum Creek Water Quality Improvements Phase 1

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

Project Overview The Little Squalicum Creek Water Quality Improvements Phase 1 project will add underground stormwater vaults along Lindbergh Avenue and Nome Street. These stormwater facilities will filter pollutants from the urban polluted runoff (stormwater) from the surrounding area that currently enters Little Squalicum Creek untreated. This project will improve water quality in Little Squalicum ... Read more

Pacific Street Operations Center Phase 2

Architect's drawing of new planned Pacific Street Operations Center

Project Overview Phase 2 (Project number EF-178) of the City Operations Building will continue the remodel of the existing Public Works buildings on Pacific Street. The project will also include demolition and rebuilding of a vehicle barn. This work is a continuation of the new facility completed as part of Phase 1, bringing Parks Operations ... Read more

12th and Finnegan Multimodal Projects

Photo of an intersection, facing in front of a brick building in Fairhaven.

Project Overview This project will install a new traffic signal and Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons at key intersections in the Fairhaven area along with ADA improvements, new sidewalks and bike lane improvements. Construction will require lane closures and traffic delays along with dust and noise. Project Status – Spring 2024 This project kicked off in ... Read more

Civic Athletic Complex Planning

Description The City of Bellingham is a growing community with an estimated population of over 90,000. The Parks and Recreation Department manages and operates a range of parks and recreation facilities and offers recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. A significant aspect of the Parks and Recreation Department’s offerings is providing athletic ... Read more