Project Title & Location

SR 539 - I-5 Improved Access Project

Bellingham, Washington

Project Description
We are studying traffic patterns on the Guide Meridian (SR 539) and evaluating ways to relieve congestion, enhance safety and improve freight mobility on the Guide Meridian, north of the I-5 interchange.

Contractor/Consultant
Consultant David Evans and Associates, Inc.

Recent Progress

Completed Final First Level Screening Evaluation report and the Appendix (Transportation Baseline report)

Developed the scope and cost estimate for Supplement 6, to complete an Access Point Decision Report for the preferred alternative in North Bellingham from Bakerview Road (Exit 258) to Axton Way (Exit 262)

Met with the project team to identify upcoming work items under Supplement 6

Prepared a project fact sheet

Held Project Management Team meetings on April 2, May 6, May 31, June 2 and June 30

Advisory Team meeting was held on April 7

Aerial photographs are being digitized for distribution to the Advisory Team

Began High Definition Scanning survey at I-5 interchanges

Updated Public Involvement Plan

Met with Whatcom Transportation Authority on June 15

Design Construction Impacts
(None yet identified -- still in early stage of project planning)

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

Project will prepare an Access Point Decision Report (APDR), which will start after alternative evaluation for the project has been completed.  Alternative concepts have been identified but not yet fully evaluated and thus environmental impacts have yet to be identified.  A decision through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is required before the Federal Highway Administration can approve the APDR.  Preparation of the APDR is included in Supplement 3, which was authorized in February 2005.  Environmental documentation will be included as part of the scope of services which will be negotiated in late 2005.

Impacts to Traffic
Project is beginning alternative evaluation stage.  Improvement concepts have been identified but have yet to be evaluated – thus traffic impacts have not yet been identified.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account