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.
- A future Parks project will continue the trail to Squalicum Creek Park about one 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 – Fall 2025
The City of Bellingham completed project data collection in Fall 2024, including physical and environmental surveys and geotechnical explorations. Traffic analysis confirms that the project design should include a single circulation lane for the roundabout, a right‑turn lane on the southbound Meridian approach, and a right‑turn pocket on the westbound Birchwood Avenue approach.
The scope and phasing of this project have recently been updated. The revised project scope covers the following elements:
- Squalicum Way realignment
- Meridian–Birchwood roundabout
- Tributary W restoration
These components are fully funded for construction, and the federal permitting process is expected to begin soon. The project design team is working to complete a 60% design set for the updated project scope. Sign up to receive monthly email updates on current Public Works projects and programs.
The Meridian Bridge replacement and Squalicum Creek restoration are planned as a separate, future project.
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
