Project Overview
This 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 (stormwater) from the Birchwood neighborhood. This second phase replaces an aging watermain and adds underground stormwater treatment vaults at the following intersections:
- Nome and Illinois Streets
- Pinewood and Cedarwood Avenues
- Pinewood and Birchwood Avenues
Stormwater treatment improvements
Underground vaults will be installed as part of this project. These vaults hold material that filters pollution out of stormwater flowing off roofs, streets, and other surfaces, cleaning the stormwater before it enters the creek, estuary, and Bellingham Bay.
Shallow above-ground, landscaped ditches (called bioswales) will also be installed along the Pinewood corridor. Bioswales are designed to slow down, collect, and filter stormwater runoff using plants, soil, and sometimes gravel.
Prior to this project, stormwater entered Little Squalicum Creek mostly untreated. After the completion of all four phases, stormwater will be treated from more than 300 acres of land, supporting salmon and other species that rely on the creek, estuary, and Bellingham Bay.
Watermain Replacement
While adding stormwater improvements in the area, we also plan to replace a 100-year-old watermain located under West Illinois from just west of the northern entrance to Bellingham Technical College to Lafayette Street. Replacing the watermain will allow the City to continue to carry clean water to the surrounding homes and businesses.
See below for close-up maps of the proposed stormwater treatment vaults and bioswales:
Project Status – Fall 2026
Current Work
Work continues on underground stormwater vaults and pipes. There will be intermittent, alternating lane closures for this work with detours in place.
Upcoming planned closures (subject to change):
- Week of September 28 – a section of Cedarwood Avenue will be closed just west of the Pinewood/Cedarwood intersection.
- Week of October 5 – a section of Cedarwood Avenue will be closed just east of the Pinewood/Cedarwood intersection.
- Week of October 12 – a section of Birchwood Avenue will be closed just west of the Pinewood/Birchwood intersection.
- Additional construction work and closures are expected in the Birchwood neighborhood through November.
Pedestrian access will be maintained during the closures. We are coordinating with Bellingham School District on any detour routes needed for school buses going to and from Birchwood Elementary School. As much as possible, construction impacts will be limited around Birchwood Elementary School pick-up and drop-off times to reduce disruptions.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during construction!
Road repaving
All sections of the road that were dug up as part of this project will be re-paved, likely after the underground vault work is complete and weather-depending.
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More Information
Contact
General project questions: AskPW@cob.org
Media inquiries: pwmedia@cob.org
Project Engineer
Kyle Carlson, P.E.
Phone: (360) 778-7946
Email: kmcarlson@cob.org
