Project Facts
- Whatcom County’s population has grown more than 150 percent since I-5 was built in the 1960s.
- The population in Whatcom County is expected to increase by another 52 percent by 2035.
- The Master Plan will identify current and future I-5 traffic conditions and will prioritize potential improvements to improve safety, help relieve congestion, and increase freight mobility on I-5 from Fairhaven Parkway (exit 250) to Slater Road (exit 260) through the year 2035.
August 2008
- We held an open house June 26. You can still share your thoughts with us by filling out our comment form.
- Even if you weren't able to come to the open house in June, you can still review the pictures and information that were there.
- The draft final report that we're compiling will be available for review in August 2008.
Overview
The I-5 Fairhaven to Slater Master Plan will analyze current and future traffic conditions on I-5 and make recommendations for improvements to the interstate, including interchanges and connected local roads, from Fairhaven Parkway (exit 250) to Slater Road (exit 260) in Whatcom County. The Plan will include a list of short- and long-term improvements to address safety problems, help relieve congestion and increase freight mobility through the year 2035. Improvements will be implemented as funding becomes available. We have $14 million currently earmarked to design and build projects identified within the Master Plan.
Background
In spring 2006, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) asked WSDOT to develop a Master Plan that would analyze the current and future interstate system and recommend a comprehensive strategy for making I-5 improvements from Fairhaven Parkway to Slater Road. The Master Plan was to be developed with funds contributed from two funded and existing projects within the study corridor: the SR 539 – I-5 Improved Access project and the I-5 – Downtown Bellingham Ramp Reconstruction project. The findings from these more site-specific projects will be incorporated into the I-5 Fairhaven to Slater Master Plan.
The Washington State Legislature provided $15 million for the I-5 Downtown Bellingham Ramp Reconstruction project, which will be used in 2010 to make safety improvements to the on- and off-ramps between Samish Way and Sunset Drive in Bellingham. This is the only funding source available at this time to pay for the improvements identified in the Master Plan. We will implement the other improvements identified in the Master Plan as funding becomes available.
The study area for the Master Plan was recently adjusted based on findings from the SR 539 – I-5 Improved Access project. We found that building a new interchange on I-5 at Smith Road would not divert traffic away from the heavily congested section of Guide Meridian near and at the I-5/Guide Meridian Interchange. As a result of these findings, the Master Plan study area was adjusted to go only as far north as Slater Road.
Why is WSDOT
looking at ways to improve I-5, including interchanges and connected local roads in Whatcom County?
Whatcom County’s population has grown by more than 150 percent since I-5 was built in the 1960s. As a result, traffic volumes and congestion have increased, as has the potential for collisions with more drivers on the interstate.
The I-5 mainline and some of the on- and off-ramps in Whatcom County do not meet current state and federal design standards, which have changed since the interstate was first built more than 40 years ago. The on- and off-ramps are short, making it difficult for drivers to enter and exit I-5 safely.
The operation of I-5 and the on- and off-ramps are also impacted by traffic volume increases on local roads. Congestion on local streets connecting to the interstate are contributing to backups and delays on I-5 ramps and the mainline.
I-5, including interchanges and the connected local roads, needs to be modified in order to increase safety and help relieve congestion, especially with the growth anticipated in this area of Whatcom County.
The End Result
The result of this effort will be a plan that makes recommendations to help improve safety and relieve congestion between Fairhaven Parkway and Slater Road in Whatcom County. We are developing the Master Plan with input from local public agencies and the community.
The I-5 Fairhaven to Slater Master Plan will be completed by mid-2008. There is currently $14 million to construct ramp safety improvements by 2010 at the highest-priority locations between Samish Way and Sunset Drive in downtown Bellingham.
Project Benefits
- Safety: The Master Plan will identify and prioritize improvements to I-5 and the on- and off-ramps from Fairhaven Parkway to Slater Road. Improving this stretch of I-5 will enhance safety and truck mobility by providing more room for vehicles to gain speed or slow down when entering and exiting I-5.
- Congestion relief: The Master Plan will identify improvements that respond to growth and economic development in this area of Whatcom County. Improving I-5 and the on- and off-ramps will allow this stretch of interstate to carry more people, freight and vehicles efficiently as the region continues to grow.
- Environment: While reconstructing on- and off-ramps, WSDOT upgrades culverts and ditches to help minimize erosion during large storms. WSDOT builds stormwater treatment facilities to filter contaminants out of highway stormwater.
What is the project timeline?
- 2006-2007: Analyzed existing and future traffic conditions.
- 2007: Working with local public agencies and the community to identify and prioritize improvement projects.
- 2008: Finalize I-5 Fairhaven to Slater Master Plan.
- 2010: Begin construction on highest-priority locations between Samish Way and Sunset Drive and seek funding for other improvements identified in the Master Plan.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please feel free to send us a comment using our online comment form or contact Tom Stacey to discuss your suggestions or questions. You may also check this Web site for regular project updates.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT makes every effort to assess and minimize the environmental effects from our projects. When funding is identified for project design, WSDOT will work to reduce any identified impacts to wetlands, creeks, wildlife, rivers, and other identified environmental resources in the project area. A detailed analysis of the project's environmental effects will also be completed when funding is identified. If necessary, an appropriate plan for mitigation for those effects will be developed and documented as part of the environmental documentation and environmental permitting processes.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
We will evaluate potential improvements based on their ability to enhance driver safety. We will then prioritize the improvements recommended in the final I-5 - Fairhaven to Slater Interstate Master Plan that help reduce collisions in high accident locations.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan .
WSDOT will work with both the Lummi and Nooksack Tribes as the Master Plan is completed.
To learn more about the tribal consultation process please visit WSDOT's Tribal Liaison page, where you'll find links to WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and WSDOT's Tribal Consultation Policy (Adopted by the Transportation Commission on February 19, 2003).
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
Funding for the Master Plan is provided by a portion of each of these two project budgets:
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Manager, Tom Stacey
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98223
Phone: 360.757.5981
Email: StaceyT@wsdot.wa.gov
Communications, Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98223
Phone: 360.757.5997
Email: TerpeniD@wsdot.wa.gov
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