Countdown to Construction
February 2012
- The only ramp we have left to complete is the Samish on-ramp to northbound I-5.
- We will return this spring, when the weather is nicer, to complete the on-ramp.
Overview
We will improve the following I-5 ramps in Bellingham between Samish Way and Sunset Drive:
- Exit 252: Northbound Samish Way on-ramp
- Exit 253: Southbound Lakeway Drive on-ramp
- Exit 254: Northbound Iowa Street on-ramp
- Exit 255: Southbound Sunset Drive on-ramp
We will also replace the sign bridge at Exit 253, the northbound I-5 off-ramp.
Why is WSDOT
improving the I-5 ramps in Bellingham?
Whatcom County’s population has grown more than 150 percent since I-5 was built in the 1960s and is expected to increase by another 52 percent by 2035. The on- and off-ramps through downtown Bellingham need improvement to safely carry increasing traffic volumes.
The on- and off-ramps no longer meet state and federal design standards. They are short, and that makes it difficult for drivers to enter and exit I-5 safely, which can lead to congestion at interchanges and backups on the interstate. The ramps need to be improved so that they can carry traffic safer and more efficiently.
In 2007, we analyzed current and projected traffic conditions at each of the interchanges in Bellingham, and, based on our findings, we developed a list of potential improvements that will help enhance safety and relieve congestion. The results of our findings were incorporated into the I-5 Fairhaven to Slater Interstate Master Plan.
The plan made recommendations to improve the interstate, including interchanges and connected local roads from Fairhaven Parkway (exit 250) to Slater Road (exit 260). The plan provides a broader system-wide approach and includes a list of short- and long-term improvements to address safety problems and help relieve congestion through the year 2035.
The End Result
The improved ramps will make it safer and easier for drivers to merge into traffic along I-5 through Bellingham.
Project Benefits
- Safety: Improvements to the ramps will help reduce the number of collisions and injuries for drivers entering and exiting the interstate.
- Congestion relief: Improving the ramps will allow this stretch of interstate to carry more people, freight and vehicles efficiently as the region continues to grow.
- Environment: While reconstructing the ramps, we will upgrade culverts and ditches to help minimize erosion during large storms. We will also build stormwater treatment facilities to filter contaminants out of highway stormwater.
What is the project timeline?
- 2006-2007: Analyzed existing and future traffic conditions.
- 2007: Worked with local public agencies and the community to identify and prioritize improvement projects.
- 2008: Summarized findings and incorporated results into the I-5 Fairhaven to Slater Interstate Master Plan.
- 2010, April: Advertised project to contractors
- 2010, August: Awarded this project contract to Vetch Construction LLC of Camano Island for their low bid of $4.4 million – $1.5 million less than our estimate for construction.
- 2010, September: Begin construction.
- Summer 2011: Scheduled completion
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
In 2006, the Washington state Legislature combined the I-5 36th Street to SR 542 project with this project.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Communications, Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98223
Phone: 360-757-5997
Email: TerpeniD@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Project Construction Engineer Chris Damitio
460 Stuart Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: 360-788-7400
E-mail: damitic@wsdot.wa.gov
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