From the Children's Art Walk tonight to the Doggy Dash, Haggen 5K and Procession of the Species, it's a busy weekend on the streets of Bellingham. And during the week there are several street construction projects underway, all of which will affect traffic and travel. So please, travel with care.
Boulevard Park
Construction activities that would require closing Bayview Drive and the entrance to Boulevard Park has been delayed until mid-May. Pedestrian access to the park will be maintained during the road closure. Once the work to install new utilities under the railroad begins, the road may be reopened in two weeks, weather-permitting. Other traffic control, partial road closures and intermittent trail closures will continue through September. This work will mean access to the Park could be restricted on an intermittent basis. For more information, check here or contact Gina Austin, P.E., project engineer at gaustin@cob.org or (360) 778-7000.
Cordata sidewalks – Aldrich Road
Construction is commencing on this project to install a bike lane and sidewalk along Aldrich Road from Mahogany Avenue to the existing bike lane and sidewalk just north of Larrabee Road. The new bike lane and sidewalk will complete the sidewalk links along Aldrich Road to Cordata Elementary School. While the street is open to traffic, traffic control including flaggers may be on-site at times. For more information, contact Sam Shipp, P.E., project engineer, at sshipp@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
Lake Padden Park – sewer project
Restrooms are open as work is underway to replace sewer facilities in and around the restrooms on the east side of Lake Padden Park near the dog park and playground. Trench and directional drilling pipe installation is largely complete. Work this week continues around the bathrooms and creek as work continues on the underground sewer structures that will hold the sanitary sewer pumps. If the weather holds, this phase of the project should be completed this month and then resume in June for the final system switch-over and decommissioning of the old system. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Larry Scholten, P.E., project engineer, at LJScholten@cob.org or (360) 778-7923.
Granary Avenue and Laurel Street
Construction is progressing on this project to deliver new public and franchise utilities, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, parking, landscaping and street lighting, and street access to the waterfront. Please note the new traffic flow on Roeder at Granary. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
E. Maplewood Ave, W. Illinois Street, Lorraine Ellis Court – watermain replacements
Construction continues on Lorraine Ellis Court, on W. Illinois between Lynn Street and Northwest Avenue, and on E. Maplewood Avenue. Watermain work is expected in the intersection of Illinois and Lynn streets. Pressure testing should begin on sections of installed watermain throughout the project and replacement of driveways, pre-existing sidewalk and curbing is underway. Traffic control will be in place and short detours may be necessary during some work. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Larry Scholten, P.E., project engineer, at LJScholten@cob.org or (360) 778-7923
Roeder Avenue – Squalicum Parkway to Whatcom Waterway
An overlay project is in progress to resurface Roeder Avenue from Squalicum Parkway to the Whatcom Waterway bridge. In addition to resurfacing, the sidewalks are being replaced due to tree root impacts, and conduit is being installed at the eastern end of the project, while sidewalk has been poured at the western end of the project and is moving east. Finally, the weather relented and Roeder has been paved. In a few weeks we'll be able to complete striping on the new road surface. No detours anticipated and two-way traffic will be maintained. Access to waterfront businesses will be maintained. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., Project Engineer, at camueller@cob.org or (360) 778-7922.
Stuart Road and Cordata Parkway – roundabout
Work continues on a project to construct a multimodal roundabout at the intersection of Stuart and Cordata. The roundabout will provide access to Whatcom Community College and the Cordata neighborhood and a new planned park. Landscaping items are still to be completed. Road users should expect delays, with work lasting through the Spring. For more information, visit the City's project web page or contact Sam Shipp, P.E., project engineer, at sshipp@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
Lakeway Drive and Lincoln Street
The final HAWK signal (at Undine) is now operational and all work of substance is complete on this project which delivered a bike boulevard, new sidewalks, ramps, wayfinding and restoration, and new pedestrian crossing signals. For more information, visit the project web page or contact Freeman Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
Mahogany Avenue – Northwest to Pacific Highway
Mahogany Avenue and the intersection at Arctic Avenue are open and will accommodate nearby proposed development. While the street is open to traffic, the contractor is still finishing up some work and may be on-site at times. Roadway improvements include two travel lanes, bike lanes, illumination, landscaping, curbing, gutter and sidewalks. For more information, contact Sam Shipp, P.E., project engineer, at sshipp@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
WSDOT and Whatcom County
The State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) may have projects that border Bellingham. For more information visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/. For updates on Whatcom County Public Works traffic projects near Bellingham, visit http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/308/Public-Works.
We provide this “road report” as a public service, based on currently available information. When traveling through a construction area – whether walking, cycling or driving – please be patient, travel with care and obey flaggers at all times. And in dark weather, please make sure you're visible to others. Planned road closures and restrictions are necessary to allow for a variety of work including resurfacing, sidewalk construction, water and sewer main work, and utility cuts. Dates, times and work locations may change, depending on inclement weather or last-minute changes in work schedules. Questions? Please contact AskPW@cob.org.
