Lincoln-Lakeway Multimodal Transportation Study

Project Overview: ES-0555

In 2020, Public Works led a multi-agency project team with staff from WTA, WSDOT, WCOG and transportation planning and engineering consultants in a comprehensive multimodal transportation study for the area generally bounded by the Samish/I-5 interchange on the south; Samish-Maple-Ellis corridor on the west; Iowa/I-5 interchange on the north; and Puget Street on the east (see image at left). The purpose of the study is to document and analyze existing land uses, known development proposals, and land supply considered under-utilized and/or re-developable; measure and analyze vehicular traffic impacts, as well as travel demand for people walking, biking, and riding transit.

Analysis of alternatives for changes to existing vehicle traffic circulation in the vicinity of the Lakeway/I-5 interchange and the potential consolidation and/or relocation of vehicular driveways along a portion of Lincoln Street will be included in this study. The project team will engage the public (visit our Engage Bellingham webpage) and seek input at an open house event during the course of the study. Ultimately, both short-term and long-term multimodal transportation system improvements will be identified and recommended, which will allow Public Works to program local funding as well as seek state and federal grant funding for construction in future years.

Status: Completed October 2021

Planned Neighborhood Meetings and Public Open House subject to COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings.

Accomplishments:

December 20, 2019 – Request for Qualifications (RFQ) published
February 12, 2020 – Selection of Consulting Firm
March 4, 2020 – Project work begins for Multi-Agency Project Team and Consultants
March 16, 2020 – City staff ordered to work from home in compliance with Governor’s Stay-at-Home Order
March 23, 2020 – Collection of new traffic and transit data no longer possible; adjustments to study required
May 11, 2020 – Community survey launched for residents and those that travel in the study area
June 1, 2020 – Community survey closes; 550 responses received
June 2020 – Multi-Agency Project Team meeting
June 2020 – Multi-Modal Baseline Conditions
August 7, 2020 – Community Survey Final Report
September 1, 2020 – WSDOT I-5 Traffic Operations & Transportation Demand Management Analysis
October 8, 2020 – Samish Neighborhood Association – City & WSDOT Studies Presentation
October 28, 2020 – York Neighborhood Association – City & WSDOT Studies Presentation
December 8, 2020 – Puget Neighborhood Association – City & WSDOT Studies Presentation
October 2021 – Lincoln-Lakeway Study Final Report
November 2021 – Lincoln/E. Maple Traffic Signal awarded $480,000 grant funds by TIB