Travelers on the Guide Meridian and Mount Baker Highway may experience detours from two construction projects by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) this summer. These projects are the WSDOT SR-542 Squalicum Creek to Bellingham Bay – Fish Passage Project and the WSDOT SR-539 Duffner Ditch – Fish Passage Project.

More information about these projects and their specific timelines is expected in the coming weeks. In preparation, the County Engineer has approved local detour routes to help safely facilitate traffic flow during the construction periods. The ordinances outlining these safety measures are now before the Whatcom County Council, with a vote anticipated at the April 25 meeting.  

Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) has prepared additional information on each ordinance, including how the public can get involved. Please see the following ‘info sheets’ to learn more:

WSDOT SR-542 Squalicum Creek to Bellingham Bay – Fish Passage Project

• Click here for more info about the ‘Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Closure of Kelly Road and Van Wyck Road.’
• Click here for more info about the ‘Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Speed Limit for Hannegan Road.’

WSDOT SR-539 Duffner Ditch – Fish Passage Project

• Click here for more info about the ‘Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Speed Limit for Birch Bay Lynden Road.’
• Click here for more info about the ‘Ordinance for Temporary Installation of Stop Signs on Birch Bay Lynden Road.’

WSDOT will share additional updates as these projects get underway, and WCPW will mirror the information on our social media. Here are the ways you can stay informed: 

• Follow WSDOT on Twitter: @wsdot_north Twitter page 
• Sign up for their weekly e-newsletter: Washington State Department of Transportation (govdelivery.com) and select ‘Whatcom County News.’

Whatcom County Public Works outreach channels:

• Facebook:  Follow our page here. 
• Twitter: @WhatcomCoPWA Twitter page
• E-newsletter:  Click here to sign up.