Meridian-Birchwood Transportation Improvements

Project Update

The City of Belligham invites community members to learn more and share input on the Meridian-Birchwood Transportation Improvements Project by joining us for an interactive Open House from 6:00-7:30 pm on Wednesday, March 4, at Parkview Elementary School. Can’t attend the Open House? You can still review current plans and share your input by visiting our Meridian-Birchwood Engage Page and clicking on the survey button. Your feedback plays an important role in ensuring that project goals are accomplished and that the upcoming improvements create a more comfortable and safer corridor for all users.

Project Overview

The City of Bellingham has updated the scope of the Meridian–Birchwood Transportation Improvement Project (ES564) and is moving it forward to improve safety and traffic flow near two closely spaced intersections. These intersections currently experience major congestion and serve as key connections between the waterfront, the Port of Bellingham, and I-5.

The upgrades will improve traffic flow for people and freight while enhancing visibility, access, and multimodal efficiency. The project includes improvements listed in the Pedestrian Master Plan, Bicycle Master Plan, ADA Transition Plan, Parks PRO Plan, and will improve access to existing WTA service routes, as well as improve fish habitat. 

The Project Will:

• Realign the Squalicum Way truck route to match the existing placement of Birchwood Avenue before reaching Meridian Street.
• Reconstruct Birchwood Avenue so it meets the realigned Squalicum Way Parkway in a standard T-intersection.
• Replace the traffic signal at Meridian and Birchwood with a multi-modal roundabout designed to improve efficiency for all users.
• Extend the Bay to Baker Trail from Cornwall Memorial Park through the project area, including a trail crossing at Meridian on the south leg of the roundabout.
• Remove the unused portion of Squalicum Way to allow for the restoration of Tributary W.
• 1% for the Arts funding will be utilized for art in the roundabout and potentially a few other key locations within the project area.

Pedestrian and bike networks will also be enhanced by:

• Filling missing pedestrian links on Birchwood Avenue, both east and west of the new roundabout.
• Extending bike lane improvements on Meridian north to the roundabout, and connecting to bike routes east and west. 
• Upgrading existing bike facilities within the project footprint along Birchwood Avenue and Squalicum Way.
• Upgrading WTA bus stops within the project area (2 on Birchwood Avenue and 1 on Meridian Street).
• A future Parks project will continue the trail to Squalicum Creek Park about 1 mile southwest.

Additional Infrastructure improvements will include:

• Replacement of undersized and aged water mains and gravity sewer pipes to support road grading and culvert removal.
• Relocation of a major gas line to accommodate habitat restoration and allow for culvert removal on Tributary W.
• Installation of low-impact stormwater best management practices, such as permeable pavement and bioretention systems, to improve stormwater management.

Project Status – Winter 2026

The City of Bellingham completed project data collection in Fall 2024, including physical and environmental surveys, traffic counts, and geotechnical investigations. Traffic analysis confirmed that the roundabout design will include a single circulating lane, a right‑turn lane on the southbound Meridian approach, and a right‑turn pocket on the westbound Birchwood Avenue approach.

In Summer 2025, the project scope was updated, and the Meridian–Birchwood Transportation Improvements now include three fully funded elements:

• Squalicum Way realignment
• Meridian–Birchwood roundabout
• Tributary W restoration

The project team completed the 60% design for this updated scope and is now securing the federal, state, and local permits required for construction. Work is also underway to acquire the necessary right‑of‑way. The design continues to advance, with the 90% design milestone expected in the third quarter of 2026.

A related fish passage project, focused on the Meridian Bridge replacement and Squalicum Creek restoration, is being designed by the same team. This separate project is progressing toward 60% design, and the City is actively seeking grant funding to support construction.

Residents can stay informed by signing up for monthly email updates on Public Works projects and programs.

Construction Impacts

The ES564 project will create significant traffic impacts during construction. Our design consultant is developing a traffic control and detour phasing plan. The plan will describe how traffic will be managed to ensure safety and maintain access during construction.

Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians should expect detours, lane closures, and changes to normal travel patterns once construction begins. Advance notice and clear signage will be provided to help the community navigate around the work zone.

We appreciate your patience as we complete these improvements, and we will continue providing updates as the traffic control plan moves forward toward finalization.

Contact

General project questions: AskPW@cob.org
Media inquiries: pwmedia@cob.org

Project Engineer
Jessica J. Bennett, PE
Phone: (360) 778-7923
Email: jjbennett@cob.org