May 2013
- Construction will begin May 16 and should be completed by late summer.
- Drivers should expect nighttime lane closures, with flaggers controlling traffic.
- Bussiness access will remain open at all times, and delays are expected to be minor.
- 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).
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
We will 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 will:
- Restrict turns
- Install centerline curbing
- Improve the northbound I-5 off-ramp
- Remove the left turn from SR 539 into Bellis Fair at Telegraph Road
- Widen the roadway between Bellis Fair Parkway and Bakerview Road
Project Benefits
Safety: We will make improvements that should help 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.
- Begin construction: May 2013
- Complete construction: August 2013
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) |
$2,769 |
| Total |
$2,769 |
|
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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