February 2013
- We've selected a number of improvements for the Guide Meridian, which you can read more about in our final report (pdf 632kb).
- We've summarized the report in this folio (pdf 730kb).
- For even more details about how we reached our conclusions in the final report, you'll want to read our interim report (pdf 2.9mb).
- With the improvements now selected, our engineers will now begin designing them.
Overview
We have approximately $3 million to make improvements that will help reduce crashes and improve mobility along the Guide Meridian between I-5 and Horton Road.
Why is WSDOT
improving the Guide Meridian?
The Guide is easily one of the busiest roads in Bellingham. It’s a primary retail center and a key transportation link between I-5 and the Canadian border. Consequently, it can get quite congested, especially near the I-5 interchange.
Essentially, the problem is that there’s just too much squeezed into too small a space. The sheer volume of traffic plus all the turning in and out of roads and driveways is a bad combination and a bit chaotic. This has contributed to nearly 700 crashes in the last five years. It's common sense that unrestricted access on a busy corridor is neither safe nor efficient.
The End Result
Right now we’re focused on figuring out the problems along this stretch of the Guide. We’re studying signal timing, traffic patterns and collision data to gain a better understanding of the problems.
We want to make safety improvements that will help improve efficiency and reduce crashes between I-5 and Horton Road. We’ll target improvements that provide high benefit for low cost. We don’t know what the right answer is yet.
The following are examples of improvement options that have worked well on highways with similar problems that we'll consider for the Guide:
- Adjust signal timing
- Restrict turns
- Install center line curbs
- Consolidate driveways
Project Benefits
Safety: We want to make improvements that will reduce crashes and congestion along the Guide.
Environment: Improvements will increase efficiency and reduce idling and emissions.
What is the project timeline?
- April-June, 2011: Seek public input and conduct technical evaluation.
- July, 2011: Release interim report - summary of public input and results of technical evaluation.
- July-Aug. 2011: Seek public input.
- Sept. 2011: Select improvement options for 2013 construction.
- Sept.-Dec. 2011: Share results and inform community about next steps. Begin detailed engineering for 2013 construction.
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
| Financial Data for PIN 153900M |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$0 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$2,569 |
| Total |
$2,569 |
|
This project is funded with money from the federal Coordinated Border Infrastructure program.
• Pre-design and engineering: $500,000
• Right-of-way and construction: $2.75 million
• Total funding available $3.25 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer, Chris Damitio
460 Stuart Road,
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-788-7403
Chris.Damitio@wsdot.wa.gov
Communications, Dave Chesson
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233
360-757-5997
chessod@wsdot.wa.gov
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