The Birchwood Elementary Safe Routes to School project is enhancing pedestrian safety and connectivity for students traveling to Birchwood Elementary. New sidewalks will be installed along one side of key neighborhood streets, including Cedarwood Avenue, Birchwood Avenue, Firwood Avenue, Pinewood Avenue, and Cottonwood Avenue, closing critical gaps in the pedestrian network. Additionally, a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) will be placed at the Bay-to-Baker Trail crossing on Pinewood Avenue, improving visibility and ensuring safer passage for trail users at this important crossing point.
Current Preconstruction Conditions
Project Status – 2025
This project is included in the City’s 2026-2031 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program. Vehicle traffic will experience minimal disruptions during construction. However, pedestrians should expect significant impacts and a temporary walking detour will be established to ensure safety and accessibility throughout the project.
Background
The Birchwood Elementary Safe Routes to School project is a key initiative from the 2024 Pedestrian Master Plan, designed to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity near schools, transit, and other community destinations. As a selected Catalyst Project, this effort focuses on strategic investments in walkability.
Catalyst projects are large-scale initiatives with low to moderate complexity that serve as strong candidates for grant funding. They anchor a network of interconnected improvements, creating a more seamless and accessible pedestrian environment. These projects are carefully planned through budget commitments and pursued with grant funding to maximize their impact.
The Birchwood Elementary Safe Routes to School project was selected for its ability to significantly improve safety and walkability for students and families. It strengthens the City’s broader efforts to build a well-connected pedestrian network while supporting Bellingham’s commitment to equity, accessibility, and multimodal transportation. For more details, explore the Bellingham Pedestrian Master Plan, updated in 2024.
Funding
The 2024 Pedestrian Master Plan estimates the project’s cost at $8,565,000. Currently, partial funding comes from the Transportation Fund – Non-motorized Pedestrian & Bicycle Improvements and Real Estate Excise Tax. The City will pursue additional funding for the project through upcoming grant opportunities.
Documents
- Draft 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
- Bellingham Pedestrian Master Plan (Updated in 2024)
Contacts
General project questions: AskPW@cob.org
Media inquiries: pwmedia@cob.org
Project Manager
Dylan Casper, Transportation Planner
Email: dtcasper@cob.org
