Overview
We analyzed traffic patterns in and around the busy commercial area on Guide Meridian and nearby I-5 interchanges. The project study area spanned from Ferndale (Exit 262) in the north to Sunset Drive in the south (Exit 255). The analysis evaluated strategies to help enhance safety, relieve congestion, and improve freight mobility. For a more detailed overview of the findings, you can review the executive summary (pdf 83 kb).
We incorporated the results of the SR 539 – I-5 Improved Access Project into the I-5 Fairhaven to Slater Interstate Master Plan. Other methods for improving this interchange will be explored and included in the Master Plan. We will use the Master Plan to identify a broader systemwide approach to help improve safety and relieve congestion from the Fairhaven Parkway Interchange (exit 250) to the Slater Road Interchange (exit 260) on I-5. The plan was completed in summer 2008. We have $14 million to begin construction in 2010, fixing the highest priority locations identified in the Master Plan.
The results (pdf 83 kb) of the SR 539 – I-5 Improved Access project determined that building a new interchange north of Guide Meridian at Smith Road will not help reduce traffic volumes and congestion at the interchange between I-5 and Guide Meridian.
We will pursue other ways to help improve safety and relieve congestion at the interchange between I-5 and Guide Meridian, which will then be evaluated and considered as part of the I-5 Fairhaven to Slater Interstate Master Plan. The final Master Plan will identify a list of short- and long-term improvements to help improve safety and relieve congestion between Fairhaven Parkway and Slater Road.
 | Improves Safety
Bringing the on- and off-ramps between I-5 and Guide Meridian up to current state and federal design standards will help enhance safety and mobility by making more room for vehicles to gain speed or slow down when entering and exiting I-5.
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 | Relieves Congestion
Improving access between I-5 and Guide Meridian will help relieve congestion and improve traffic flow.
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 | Protects Environment
When funding is identified for project design, we will work to reduce any identified impacts to wetlands, creeks, wildlife, rivers, and other identified environmental resources in the project area.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
We conducted interviews with representatives from businesses, schools, residents, freight carriers, developers and transit. We coordinated and communicated with staff and elected officials from the city of Bellingham, Whatcom County and the Whatcom Council of Governments throughout the project.
Funding
This project is funded through the following sources:
Contact Us
Project Manager, Tom Stacey
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233
Phone: 360.757.5981
Email: StaceyT@wsdot.wa.gov
Communications, Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233
Phone: 360.757.5997
Email: TerpeniD@wsdot.wa.gov
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