Overview
Years of flooding along the Nooksack River have caused repetitive bank and roadway damage to Mount Baker Highway (SR 542). This highway is the primary route to communities east of Bellingham, the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Mt. Baker Ski Area. To protect the roadway and drivers, we relocated less than a half-mile section of Mount Baker Highway away from the Nooksack River, and built a new bridge at Chain-up Creek to replace an existing culvert.
 | Improves Safety
This project improves safety by protecting the highway and drivers from floods and highway damage.
|
 | Protects Environment
The new bridge will improve fish passage at Chain-up Creek. The existing culvert is a barrier for fish.
We developed a permanent and ecologically friendly solution to protect the highway and the river. There are fish in Nooksack River that are listed on the Endangered Species Act. This project will help protect spawning areas.
|
 | Economic Incentive
Relocating the highway and building a new bridge reduces the possibility of flooding damage to the highway and eliminates costly road closures and temporary repairs.
|
Partnerships & Cooperation
Throughout the planning and design phases we collected input from local officials, community members, drivers and residents. We also held open houses and worked with the local media to provide updates.
Funding
| Financial Data for PIN 154229G |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$0 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$12,020 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$106 |
| Total |
$12,126 |
|
Contact Us
Communications Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: 360-757-5997
E-mail: Terpenid@wsdot.wa.gov
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