Maintenance & Operations

  1. Lake Whatcom Blvd. Reopens After Emergency Culvert Repair

    Lake Whatcom Blvd has reopened for travel as of 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 21. Read on...

  2. Birch Bay Drive Construction Work to Begin August 28

    Work on Birch Bay Drive will occur between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and is anticipated for three weeks. (No work on Labor Day.) Read on...

  3. Overnight Lane Striping Work Begins August 20

    Whatcom County Public Works’ paint striping truck, ‘Dash,’ will conduct overnight lane striping work between 8 pm-6:30 am starting Sunday, August 20. Read on...
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Roadway Maintenance

Whatcom County Maintenance and Operations maintains approximately 940 miles of the county road system by preventing, reducing, or restoring deterioration of the roadway infrastructure through road surface and roadway structure management. Work items include:

  • Surface Patching
  • Depth Patching
  • Chip Seal
  • Asphalt Prelevel
  • Crack Sealing
  • Snow and Ice Removal
  • Garbage Pick-Up
  • Dust Control
  • Blading Gravel Roads
  • Cleaning and Sweeping Roadways
  • Shoulder Work
  • Various Pavement Maintenance Techniques 

Chip Seal Program

Chip Seal (also called seal coating, or Bituminous Surface Treatment) is the application of a special protective wearing surface to an existing pavement.

Fog Seal Program

Fog Sealing is a road treatment that is applied following Chip Seal treatment that protects the roadway from wear and extends the life of roads throughout Whatcom County. 

Roadway Striping - Frequently Asked Questions

Every year Whatcom County re-stripes over 1,300 lane miles of county roadway. This fresh coat of reflective paint enables drivers to more clearly see their lane of travel during dark or rainy conditions.

Shoulder Maintenance & Rehabilitation  

  • An intricate part of road maintenance coordinating with other projects.
  • Provides shoulder stability and a smooth transition from the road surface.

Environmental Protection

Whatcom County uses Best Management Practices to protect habitat, waterways, and drinking water sources.  

  • Sweeping and cleaning the roadway improves traction for vehicles and for bicycle passage on paved shoulder areas as well as eliminating material migrating to sensitive areas.
  • Tons of snow and ice are removed from county roads during winter storm events.
  • A chemical anti-icing program has been initiated to lower the use of salt/sand mix, especially in watersheds.
  • Maintenance activities and budgets are continually reviewed with attention to the changing regulatory environment.
  • The ESA and the Clean Water Act are factors in long-range planning goals.


Contact Us

  1. MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS

    Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Phone: 360-778-6400

    Ask a Question or Report a Problem

    901 W. Smith Road
    Bellingham, WA  98226

    Garrett Reynolds, Superintendent
    Gina Miller, Assistant Superintendent
    Michael Koenen, Assistant Superintendent