Submitted by the City of Bellingham, written by Michelle Grandy
The groundhog has seen its shadow. According to legend, this predicts 6 more weeks of winter. This week’s weather forecast calls for partial sun and rain mixed with snow. If snow accumulation or icy conditions occur, information on snow routes and anti-icing priority lists can be found on the City’s website. Capital construction and maintenance projects will continue to affect traffic. Due to continued threat of COVID-19, City construction work will be assessed on a day-by-day basis. As always, please pay attention to Health Department recommendations and travel with care.
Lake Padden Park – Sewer Project
Work to upgrade the sewer facilities and pump stations is nearing completion, as the remaining components are installed. The areas affected include the dog park restroom, playground restroom and the pump house. As we move forward with the final phase of this project, the restrooms will be intermittently offline in the coming weeks, but we will have portable bathrooms in place when needed. Please use caution in and around the work zones. For more information, visit the Lake Padden Lift Stations project webpage or contact Larry Scholten, P.E., project engineer, at ljscholten@cob.org or (360) 778-7923.
Sehome Hill Communications Tower – Antenna Installation/Tower Demo
The only remaining work for the project is landscaping, installation of one streetlight and cleanup. The upper parking lot will not be closed for the remainder of the project. No further trail closures will be required for the remainder of the project. For more information visit the Sehome Hill Communications Tower – Antenna Installation Tower/Demo Project website or contact Aric Smathers, P.E., project engineer, at arsmathers@cob.org or (360) 778-7942.
2020 TBD Projects and 40th Street Sidewalk
The 40th Street Sidewalk and 2020 TBD Projects are largely complete with the final project at 40th Street and Elwood underway. Road users through the area should expect possible sidewalk and lane closures and associated delays. Flaggers will allow for local access. For more information, visit the 2020 TBD Projects and 40th Street Sidewalk website or contact Freeman (Fritz) Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924.
2020 Watermain Replacement Project
The 2020 Watermain Replacement project replaces a watermain on Donovan Avenue from Connelly Creek to 36th Street, and on 35th Street from Donovan Avenue to one block north. All watermain has been installed and connected. Due to COVID related material procurement delays at the beginning of the project, the window for final paving has been missed and will be done in the spring 2021 when material is available along with replacement of a storm main west of 30th street. Expect flaggers. Traffic will be maintained for local access. WTA is being coordinated with for impacts between 30th and 32nd Streets. Expect detours for affected closures. For more information, visit the 2020 Watermain Replacement Project website or contact Craig Mueller, P.E., project engineer, at camueller@cob.org or (360) 778-7922.
Meridian Street Water Quality Improvements
This water quality project on Meridian Street (State Route 539) between Bakerview Road and Stuart Road and on Kellogg Road has installed 17 water quality devices to treat roadway runoff. Work is largely complete with only weather dependent elements such as final paving to be completed this spring. For more information, visit the Meridian Street Water Quality Improvements website or contact Larry Scholten, P.E., project engineer, at ljscholten@cob.org or (360) 778-7923.
West Horton Project
The West Horton Road project is wrapping up with landscaping and site clean-up activities underway. The roadway will be opened on Friday, February 5 with a temporary safety handrail while the permanent handrail is fabricated. For more information, visit the West Horton Road phase 1 website or contact Freeman (Fritz) Anthony, P.E., project engineer, at fanthony@cob.org or (360) 778-7924
2020-2021 Downtown Public Library Renovations
Carpet installation is complete, bathroom fixtures have been installed the ceiling grid is in place. The ceiling tiles will go into the grid once the fire alarm wiring is finished and inspections have taken place. Renovations and life safety upgrades are being made to the public elevator. The library remains closed to the public due to Covid-19, however distribution of books continues with curbside pickup. Project completion is on schedule for the end of February 2021. For more information contact Carol Rofkar, Interim Superintendent of Communications/Facilities/Fleet/Traffic, at cmrofkar@cob.org or (360) 778-7973.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Drivers can get real-time traffic information on their phone with the WSDOT traffic app, tracking the WSDOT north Twitter feed, and get advanced information from the WSDOT construction page. For ongoing information on current local projects, check out https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/construction-updates/whatcom-skagit-island
Whatcom County
For updates on County projects near Bellingham, visit http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/308/Public-Works. Subscribe to Whatcom County Public Works email newsletter here.
We provide this “capital project 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 always obey flaggers. In dark conditions, 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 vary, depending on inclement weather or last-minute changes in work schedules. Questions? Contact AskPW@cob.org.
