Lake Whatcom Blvd. Reopens After Emergency Culvert Repair

After an emergency culvert repair on Lake Whatcom Blvd, south of Lake Louise, the roadway has reopened one day ahead of schedule. Lake Whatcom Blvd is now fully open for travel as of 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 21. The project was previously schedule...

The Whatcom Chief is Back in Service After Maintenance Outage Delay

Ferry Maintenance Outage Update, 9/20, 3:30 p.m.: The Whatcom Chief is back in service after an extended maintenance outage. Thank you for your patience. 

Ferry Maintenance Outage Update, 9/20, 3:15 p.m.:  The ferry will remain out of ser...

October 11 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The last morning run from the Gooseberry Point ...

Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale Dates Set for 4th Quarter 2023

The fourth quarter Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sales dates for 2023 are:

• Wednesday, October 4
• Wednesday, November 1
• Wednesday, December 6

All punch card sales are from 5:20 am-2:40 pm at the ferry office at the island-side ferry terminal....

Preparing for the Adjudication Event on September 13, 2023

Join Aspect Consulting, Associated Earth Sciences, and RH2 Engineering, with guest appearance by the Department of Ecology, to learn how to prepare for the upcoming WRIA 1 Nooksack Watershed adjudication. This event will take place on September 13th, 4:30...

Whatcom Water Week Returns September 9-17, 2023

Water Week offers many different family-friendly events throughout Whatcom County with opportunities to have fun, learn, and make a difference. Visit www.whatcomwin.org/water-week-events for a complete calendar of events and details. There’s something for...

Whatcom Marine Resources Committee Helps Remove Derelict Vessel from County Beach

The Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) recently partnered with other local stakeholders to remove a derelict vessel from the Nooksack River Delta in Bellingham Bay. The Whatcom County Public Works Natural Resources Division provides technical assist...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Work to Begin August 28

Crews working on behalf of Whatcom County Public Works will begin construction work on Birch Bay Drive on Monday, August 28. Work will occur between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and is anticipated for three weeks. (No work on Labor Day.) Repair...

Overnight Lane Striping Work Begins August 20

Whatcom County Public Works’ paint striping truck, ‘Dash,’ will conduct overnight lane striping work from 8 pm-6:30 am starting Sunday, August 20. Crews plan to stripe several high-traffic roads during the week.  

Pai...

Chip Seal Work Scheduled-Road List for Week of August 21

Whatcom County Public Works' annual chip seal program is winding down for the year. We have a few remaining days of work scheduled on the following roads for the week of August 21-24: 

• Chasteen Rd
• Goshen Rd
• E Hemmi Rd
• E Laurel Rd
• Medcalf Rd
• Sand Rd
• Ten ...

Public Hearing August 8th on Temporary Closure of West Smith Road

Birch Bay Drive Paving Project Delayed

The Birch Bay Drive Paving Rehabilitation Project, previously set to begin Monday, July 10, 2023, is now delayed. The project team was recently made aware of delays in critical project permitting required to begin work. As a result, the project’s contract...

Birch Bay Drive Paving Project Delayed

The Birch Bay Drive Paving Rehabilitation Project, previously set to begin Monday, July 10, 2023, is now delayed. The project team was recently made aware of delays in critical project permitting required to begin work. As a result, the project’s contract...

Summer Fuel Truck Schedule Change for Lummi Island Ferry

To maximize ferry service to Lummi Island this summer, we will limit propane and fuel deliveries in July, August, and September. During these months, we will welcome propane and fuel trucks on Thursdays only. This change is in effect from July 1-September...

Bay Road Corridor Stop Control: New Stop Signs Installed

On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Whatcom County Public Works completed the installation of All-Way Stops on Bay Rd at both Kickerville Rd and Valley View Rd. These All-Way Stops were authorized by the County Council in Ordinances 2022-087 and 2022-088.

Read on...

Aldrich Road- Abrupt Lane Edge-Motorcycles Use Caution

Aldrich Road 4900 Block- Abrupt Lane Edge. Motorcycles, please use caution.

Aldrich Road- Rough Road-Motorcycles Use Caution

4500 Block Aldrich Road is posted for Rough Road. Motorcycles should use caution.

Belfern Dr. - Abrupt Lane Edge - Motorcycles Use Caution

Belfern Dr. is posted for abrupt lane edge; motorcycles should use caution.

Bellaire Dr.- Abrupt Lane Edge- Motorcycles Use Caution

Bellaire Drive is posted for abrupt lane edge; motorcycles use caution.

Consumer Alert: Roadwork Scammers Impersonating Whatcom County Employees

Whatcom County Public Works has been made aware of scammers impersonating Whatcom County employees, offering a local resident free gravel they claim was left over from a nearby job site. These individuals have targeted at least one homeowner in the area, ...

Mount Baker Highway Closure Starts June 5

We're just under a week away from a summer-long closure of State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway between Britton Road and Noon Road. Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will build a new bridge for the&nbs...

Mount Baker Highway Closure Starts June 5

We're just under a week away from a summer-long closure of State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway between Britton Road and Noon Road. Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will build a new bridge for the&nbs...

POSTPONED: Birch Bay Dr. & Birch Point Rd. Stop Sign Installation May 31

Update:  POSTPONED. This work has been postponed until the week of June 5, 2023.

Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) crews will install stop signs and related road markings at Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point Road on Wednesday, May 31.

Ordinance 2023...

‘The Berm’ Earns Statewide Recognition as Public Works Project of the Year

The American Public Works Association (APWA) Washington Chapter selected Whatcom County's Birch Bay Drive & Pedestrian Facility Project as a 2023 Public Works Project of the Year. Locally known as 'The Berm,' the pr...

Austin Street-Closed Between Cable & Morgan Streets

Austin Street will be closed between Cable Street and Morgan Street starting Tuesday, June 20, 2023. The closure is anticipated to last through September. Detour routes and signage will be in place to assist drivers.

This road closure is required in order ...

May 21-27 is ‘National Public Works Week’ in Whatcom County

Whatcom County Public Works is celebrating National Public Works Week, May 21-27, 2023. The week recognizes those working in professions that provide and maintain the vital infrastructure and services collectively known as public works. Over the week, wor...

Lummi Island Ferry to Return to Service on May 21

The Lummi Island Ferry, the Whatcom Chief, is scheduled to return to full service on Sunday, May 21, 2023. This planned return to service date is contingent upon completing the remaining shipyard repairs and sea trials. If the date should change, we will ...

Dry Dock Update from the Senior Master, Rich Hudson

Dry Dock Update from the Senior Master, Rich Hudson

Repairs and maintenance of the Whatcom Chief are ongoing and are on schedule. At this time, we expect the Whatcom Chief to return to full service on Sunday, May 21st. If that should change, we will send o...

Ferry Passengers Should Use Caution on Ramps During Dry Dock Low Tides

Lower than normal spring tides will cause steep inclines on the ferry ramps over several days of dry dock. As a result, some passengers may need help boarding the passenger ferry. Please do ask for assistance if you need it—crew members are read...

Summer Construction Detours for WSDOT Fish Passage Projects

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 &...

Summer Construction Detours for WSDOT Fish Passage Projects

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 &...

Birch Point Road & Birch Bay Drive Stop Signs--Additional Information

In January 2023, Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) proposed an ordinance to ‘install stop signs on certain county roads.’ This ordinance was introduced at the Whatcom County Council meeting on February 7, 2023, and put to a public hearing and vote at the...

2023 Whatcom Chief Dry Dock Schedule & Services

THE CHANGEOVER:

The Whatcom Chief will depart for dry dock on Saturday, April 29, 2023.  The ferry is anticipated to return to full service on Sunday, May 21, 2023. The return date is subject to change depending on the work required in t...

Lake Whatcom Management Program Public Meeting March 29

Curious about Lake Whatcom water quality and protection efforts? The public is invited to learn more about the Lake Whatcom Management Program at a meeting of the Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer Distri...

Sweet Rd - Posted for Rough Road

Sweet Rd at 3876 is posted for rough road, motorcycles use caution. 

Save the Dates: Whatcom Chief 2023 Dry Dock Outage April 29 – May 20

The Whatcom Chief’s annual dry dock outage is scheduled for Saturday, April 29 – Saturday, May 20, 2023. These dates are tentative and subject to change. The Dry Dock webpage will be updated as more information becomes available (it cu...

Bayon Rd off Marine Dr- Water Over Roadway

Bayon Rd off Marine Dr is posted for Water Over Roadway.

Innis Creek Rd South of Doran Rd- Water Over Roadway

Innis Creek Rd South of Doran Rd is posted for water over roadway.

Flood Safety: Please Obey All Road Signs

The traffic safety signs you see while driving, biking, or walking near a roadway play a vital role in keeping you safe. This time of year, it’s not uncommon to encounter flooded roads, and you may come across signs that read ‘Water Over Roadway’ or ‘Road...

Whatcom Clean Water Program Is Asking for Your Help Preventing Pollution!

Bellingham, WA - This fall and winter, Whatcom Clean Water Program partners are asking local community members to take steps to keep our waterways clean and community healthy. As rains return following a dry summer, pollutants are washed off hard surfaces...

New River Gaging Stations in Whatcom County

In partnership with Whatcom County Public Works, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) installed two new gaging stations this fall and made upgrades to a third. These new stations will allow the county and others to better monitor rising water levels if the N...

Staffing Shortage Could Affect Whatcom County’s Snow Response

As winter 2022-2023 approaches, Whatcom County Public Works is facing significant staffing shortages for weather response operations – specifically, a shortage of employees who are licensed, qualified, and experienced in operating snow plows. 

Ope...

Flood Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants Update

The November 2021 floods caused significant property damage throughout our community. Our River and Flood Division has been working with willing landowners to seek FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to reduce the risk of future flood dama...

Floodplain Management in Whatcom County: Who Does What

Floodplain Management in Whatcom County: Who Does What

As we move into rain and flood season, here’s an overview of the organizations and jurisdictions that work together to reduce flood risks to infrastructure like homes, businesses, and roads i...

Sandbag Resources and Availability in Whatcom County

To help prepare for the upcoming flood season, many residents want to know where they can access sandbags to protect their homes and property. The Whatcom County Public Works Department has received several requests for sand and sandbag materials, and we&...

Nooksack River Levee System Repairs and Bank Protection Improvements

Following the November 2021 floods, Whatcom County Public Works has been working with partners like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local diking and drainage districts to complete Nooksack River levee system repairs and bank protection improvements. ...

Annual 'Flooding in Whatcom County' Newsletter Now Available Online

Many people in our community are still recovering from the devastating November 2021 floods. People want to know what local government is doing to help and to prepare for the coming rain and flood season. Our annual ‘Flooding in Whatcom...

Marine Drive construction resumes March 3 - Drivers should expect delays and single lane closures

Construction will resume March 3 for Marine Drive improvements that include widening the road, bike lanes, and stormwater infrastructure. Drivers should plan for single-lane closures and minor delays.

• Visit the project website for more information.&nbs...

Proposed State Transportation Budget Would Benefit Lummi Island Ferry System

The proposed "Move Ahead Washington" transportation investment package is a positive step for the Lummi Island Ferry System. 

On Tuesday, February 8, the chairs of the Washington State Senate and House Transportation Committees introduce...

County Committed to Partnership in Cross-Border Flood Planning Efforts

Read on...

Extreme Cold Weather and Possible Snow Continue

Beach Ave - Open to single lane traffic

Beach Ave on Lummi Island has reopened to single lane traffic at Cedar Ave.   

Marshall Hill Road - Closed

Marshall Hill Road is closed East of Cronk Rd due to a roadway collapse. 

Sunset Ave - Closed

Sunset Ave is closed between Graveline Rd and Pacific Hwy due to a roadway collapse. 

Whatcom County Awarded $1.94 Million in Federal Highway Funding for Two Birch Bay Area Projects

Federal funding of approximately $1.94 million has been awarded to Whatcom County Public Works to support two different road projects in the Birch Bay area. 

• The Birch Bay – Lynden Road and Blaine Road Intersection Improvements Project w...

Update on Marshall Hill Landslide Repairs

Marshall Hill Road near Cronk Road has been reduced to one lane with stop signs in each direction since a landslide that happened in February 2021. Whatcom County Public Works will soon install concrete barriers along the centerline of the road to better ...

Health investigation shows no evidence of increased lung disease near Swift Creek/Sumas Mountain

Periodically, the Washington State Department of Health will check for asbestos-related health issues in people living around Swift Creek and Sumas Mountain. The latest report is out and finds no evidence of increased risk of lung and bronchial cancer, me...

Alternate Routes Advised on Marine Drive Oct. 18-20 Near McAlpine Road

Stormwater vault construction will cause alternating single-lane closures on Marine Drive during weekday business hours. Drivers should use alternate routes and expect significant delays. View suggested alternate route: https://bit.ly/3AMvLSy

Message Sent to School and Government Officials Regarding Winter Storm Response Capabilities

The following message was sent to school districts, fire districts, municipal, and other government agencies within Whatcom County on Oct. 12, 2021. 

Dear School/Government Official or Service Provider,

As we move into our second fall and winter wi...

Public Asked to Use Alternate Routes During Marine Drive Stormwater Construction

Stormwater vault construction will cause alternating single-lane closures on Marine Drive during weekday business hours. Work starts today, Oct. 11, and continues for about three weeks. Please use alternate routes or expect delays.

Stormwater Contractors Invited to be Part of New Business List

Whatcom County is compiling a list of contractors who provide services related to stormwater facility maintenance, i.e. catch basin/manhole cleaning and/or repair, detention pond maintenance, storm pipe jetting and/or repair, vegetative management, and en...

Marine Drive Reconstruction Starting in October

Work on Marine Drive was originally scheduled to start in September, but the start date has been pushed back because of material shortages. Starting in October, the contractor will begin work on an underground stormwater vault at the intersection of Marin...

Reminder: Birch Bay Chamber's Berm Celebration is from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm Saturday, 8/21

The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Berm Celebration and Ribbon Cutting is from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm Saturday, Aug. 21. For more information on this event, visit their website. 

View the project summary poster below. Click here to view full screen.

Read on...

Lummi Island Ferry Info Booth A Success

A big thank you to everyone who came out to our booth at the Lummi Island Saturday Market last weekend! Representatives from Whatcom County Public Works, Elliott Bay Design Group (our consultant on the new ferry’s design), County Council Represe...

Swift Creek Area Neighbors: Prevent Asbestos Dust Exposure During Dry Weather

A postcard reminding the Swift Creek area community of asbestos health concerns during dry weather will be mailed to addresses in the project area soon. Swift Creek and downstream Sumas River carry naturally occurring asbestos from the Sumas Mountain land...

Swift Creek Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Available

In accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), WAC 197-11-455 and 197-11-510, a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Swift Creek Sediment Management Action Plan Phase 3 Implementation: Sediment Repository has been...

How to calculate Lummi Island ferry fares for motor homes and similar recreational vehicles

Summertime means travel time, and we want to take a moment to remind our ferry riders of the fare policy for buses, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, and motorhomes.

• If you drive a recreational vehicle, bus, or motorhome, your vehicle’s far...

Swift Creek Channel Excavation Starts This Week

Swift Creek channel excavation is expected to start on Wednesday, Aug. 4, and will continue for two weeks. For questions about this project, please contact James Lee, hydraulic manager, at 360 778-6264 or [email protected].

Marine Drive Reconstruction Scheduled to Start in September

The project's construction contract has been awarded to Strider Construction; work is expected to start in September and continue through March 2022. Utility relocation continues for about six more weeks.

Central Road, East of Lunde Rd - Motorcycles Use Caution

There is a steel plate over the roadway on Central Road, East of Lunde Road. Motorcycles should use caution. 

Clipper Road, South of Strand Road - Motorcycles Use Caution

There is a steel plate over the roadway at 3167 Clipper Road, South of Strand Road. Motorcycles should use caution. 

Public Works Reopening Guidance for Lummi Island Residents

Public Works offices will reopen to the public by appointment only on Wednesday, June 30, when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted state wide. Reopening our public buildings will be done gradually, and this is the first step in that process. We thank you in ...

Protect Vulnerable Birch Bay 'Berm' Plantings this July 4

BELLINGHAM, WA – The newly completed Birch Bay “Berm” includes over 110,000 young native plants that will restore shoreline habitat, help protect the beach from erosion during winter storms, and reduce project costs. Anyone c...

Marine Drive Utility Work Continues, Road Construction will Likely Start in Early August

Ongoing utility relocation work and periodic single-lane road closures will continue through June and July. Road construction is currently out to bid. Construction is likely to begin in early August.

Neighbors Team Up with Whatcom County, State Agencies, to Clean Styrofoam Waste from Lake Samish

Recently, Lake Samish residents spent a rainy week out on the water gathering litter – but not the traditional plastic bottles, aluminum cars, or food packaging. These neighbors were picking up Styrofoam. The Styrofoam blocks were used as dock f...

Join Us for a Fun Volunteer Celebration and Beach Cleanup in Birch Bay with Giveaways

Low tides, free parking, guided naturalist beach walks, and free popsicles are just a few of the exciting things happening at Birch Bay State Park for the “Watershed Watchers: Day at the Beach” event from noon to 3pm on Saturday, June ...

Feb. 19, 2020 Project Nears 60% Design

Whatcom County Public works has executed a final design contract with our consultant, Transpo, and is in the process of designing the multi-lane roundabout improvement for the intersection. We have completed our geotechnical explorations, environmental as...

Intersection Alternative Analysis Underway

Whatcom County has executed a preliminary design contract with our consultant, Transpo Group, and is in the process of performing an alternatives analysis to determine the preferred improvements that will be designed and constructed at this intersection. ...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Largely Complete

Crews will put up signage, monitor plantings, and demobilize equipment. Thank you for your patience during this project! Please save the date of Saturday, Aug. 21, for a community celebration with the Birch Bay Chamber - follow the Chamber for details!

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for March 15-19

Drivers can expect minimal single lane closures from 7am-5pm, Monday-Thursday. Crews will install benches, finish pedestrian path work, and other projects. We want to remind everyone to please avoid damaging the plantings. They are expensive to replace.

Birch Bay Drive Update for March 8-12

Crews will work 7am-5pm daily on a variety of tasks. Monday and Tuesday drivers should expect delays with lane closures for paving. Pedestrians, please stay off the new asphalt while it sets! Other work next week should have minimal impacts on traffic.

Utility Relocation Work Starts Mid-March on Marine Drive

Starting in mid-March, users of Marine Drive can expect periodic single-lane closures and road shoulder work as crews relocate utility poles, water meters, buried natural gas and communication lines, etc. for the upcoming roadway widening project.

Birch Bay Drive Update for March 1-5

Drivers should expect single-lane closures and periodic delays as crews cut asphalt, pave, add plantings, and install limestone trail on the west side of Birch Bay Drive from Cottonwood to Beach Way.

Swift Creek Sediment Repository SEIS Scope Available for Comment

A Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is being scoped for the proposed sediment repository for Swift Creek sediment. To comment on the scope of the elements of the environments under SEPA please see the Determination of Significance at the ...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the Week of Feb. 22

Drivers can expect single-lane closures next week as crews work from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday on stormwater structures, sidewalk installation, and plantings on the berm.

Birch Bay Drive Update for Feb. 15-19

Drivers can expect single-lane closures as contractors install sidewalk, dig swales, and install plantings. Please remember to stay away from both workers and construction areas for your safety!

Birch Bay Drive Update for Feb. 8-12

Drivers can expect infrequent single-lane closures from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. We ask pedestrians to give workers plenty of space, especially around the trail system! Workers will install plantings, install limestone on the trail, and pour sidewalks.

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the Week of Feb. 1

Drivers should expect single-lane road closures daily. Contractors will import gravel and place it west of Birch Bay Drive, install plantings, and put in stormwater structures from 7am-5pm. On Thursday, work will include berm shaping from 5pm-3am.

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the week of Jan. 25

Drivers can expect single-lane closures as construction continues from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday, installing swales, importing gravel west of the road, and planting. Crews will also work 5pm-3am on Thursday grading the berm north of Harborview Road.

Bridge Replacement FAQ's Available on Project Website

Whatcom County Public Works is planning to replace the Jackson Road bridge over Terrell Creek. We have built a project website and Frequently Asked Questions page with information on the process, exact location, and how you can get involved.

There are sev...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the Week of Jan. 18

Drivers can expect periodic single-lane closures from 7am - 5 pm as Granite Construction imports gravel west of Birch Bay Drive, places limestone along the pedestrian path, and installs swales. Concrete curb and sidewalk will also be poured.

Birch Bay Berm Performs Well During Jan. 13 Storm

Last night’s storm with high tide and heavy wind was a good test of the structure of the berm. It performed as expected – excellent really. The berm was not damaged in the storm. A small amount of debris came through the berm near the ...

Ferry Increased Weight Limits for Personal Vehicles on Jan. 1

On January 1, 2021, the Ferry Division increased the maximum gross vehicle weight for personal vehicles on the Whatcom Chief from 8,000 lbs to 11,000 lbs. The increased weight limit applies to all $13 single ride round trips, and all multi-ride punch card...

Birch Bay Drive update for the week of Jan. 11

Granite Construction will work from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday placing gravel west of the road, pouring concrete sidewalk, and preparing the limestone path. Drivers should expect periodic single lane closures. Please stay away from construction areas.

Birch Bay Drive update for the week of Jan. 4

The contractor will work from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday. Drivers can expect intermittent single lane closures near the Harborview intersection as workers form sidewalks, plant vegetation, and import gravel. Please stay away from all construction work.

Birch Bay: Keep Your Berm Safe During New Year's Celebrations

As Birch Bay residents prepare for the annual Ring of Fire and Hope and the Polar Bear Plunge, we have a few tips to keep you and the construction site safe:

• The beach area is still an active construction site. Stay away from all construction areas and equ...

Birch Bay Drive Update for Dec. 21-23

Crews will work from 7am-5pm Monday-Wednesday planting in the area north of the Bay Breeze Restaurant. No traffic impacts expected. No night work.

Birch Bay Drive Update for Dec. 14-18

Granite Construction crews will work 7am-5pm Monday-Friday on plantings, excavation, sidewalk grading, and topsoil placement. These activities will have minimal traffic impacts. Crews will also work nights 4pm-2am Monday-Thursday importing gravel and plac...

Birch Bay Drive Update for Dec. 7-11

The week of Dec. 7-11, from 7am–5pm Monday-Friday, sidewalks and plantings will be installed. Our contractor, Granite, will install some stormwater structures and perform grading along the pedestrian path. This work will have minimal impacts on traffic. N...

Correction: Birch Bay Drive Update for Dec. 7-11

A notice was sent out at approx. 9:23am with the title Marie Drive Construction Update for Dec. 7-11. This update was for Birch Bay Drive, not Marine Drive. Please accept our apologies for this error.

Birch Bay Drive project update for the week of Dec. 7-...

Birch Bay Drive update for the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4

Nov. 30-Dec. 4 contractor crews will work both days and nights. Day shift 7am-5pm working on plantings and sidewalks, minimal traffic impacts. Night shift 4pm-2am importing gravel to place on the berm, with single-lane closures during those times.

Marine Drive Improvement Planning Continues

Whatcom County Public Works and its consultant, Pacific Survey and Engineering, Inc., are working towards a 100% design document. This will include technical components of the roadway widening, stormwater and water quality system design, street lighting, ...

Community Invited to Virtual Marine Drive Trail Planning Meeting

The Port of Bellingham, along with the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County, will host a Marine Drive Trail System virtual update from 3:30-4:30 pm on Nov. 30. The virtual meeting will start with a presentation of draft trail concepts. Following the pres...

Public Works Launches New Travel Planning Tool; COVID-19 Could Impact Snow Response

Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) has launched a new online tool for residents that shows active construction projects and snow routes called the County Travel Planner; it includes an interactive map so travelers can plan their routes. This is especially...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the Week of Nov. 16

For the week of Nov. 16, the contractor, Granite Construction, will work 7am-5pm Monday-Friday pouring concrete for sidewalks and stairs, and night work 4pm-6am Monday-Thursday importing gravel. Drivers should expect single-lane closures.

Swift Creek Channel Excavation On Hold Until Late Summer/Fall 2021

Swift Creek channel excavation that started in August of 2020 has ended for this year. Channel excavation work will resume in late summer or fall of 2021.

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for Nov. 9-13

For the week of Nov. 9, every day Granite will work from 7am to 5pm grading the path on the west side of Birch Bay Drive. Monday through Thursday, they will also work from 4pm to 2am delivering and importing gravel to the site.

Birch Bay Drive Construction Includes Both Day and Night Work Nov. 2-6

The week of Nov. 2-6, Granite Construction will work from 4pm-2am Monday-Thursday, and 7am-5pm Thursday-Friday. Crews will install stormwater utilities and continue to import gravel west of the road. Be prepared for single-lane road closures.

Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Update for the Week of Oct. 26

The week of Oct. 26-30 Granite will work from 5am-5pm. Dump trucks will bring in and deliver gravel throughout the project area, crews will install manholes and stormwater outfalls near the intersection of Cottonwood Drive and Birch Bay Drive, and work on...

Birch Bay Drive work shifts to 4pm-2am this week

The week of Oct. 19-23, Granite will work from 4pm to 2am. Drivers should expect single-lane closures. Dump trucks will deliver gravel along the west side of Birch Bay Drive. Please avoid the area to reduce your chances of being delayed by construction.

Birch Bay Drive Project Update for Oct. 12-15

Drivers should expect single lane closures as Granite works from 5 am to 5 pm installing stormwater catch basins and storm sewer pipe west of Birch Bay Drive. The contractor will also clear vegetation and place gravel west of Birch Bay Drive. 

• Vis...

Birch Bay Drive Update for the Week of Oct. 5

Starting the week of Oct. 5, construction work will be from 7 am to 5 pm. Drivers should expect single lane closures Monday through Thursday. Crews with Granite Construction will deliver gravel and place it west of Birch Bay Drive, install a construction ...

Birch Bay Drive Project Work Scheduled for the Week of Sept 28

Poor weather conditions postponed gravel paving between Lora Lane and the Bay Breeze Restaurant previously scheduled for Sept. 22-23. The week of Sept. 28 construction work will be from 5am-5pm. Granite will install stormwater catch basins along the weste...

Birch Bay Work Postponed between Lora Lane and the Bay Breeze Restaurant

Expected rain this week has postponed gravel paving between Lora Lane and the Bay Breeze Restaurant previously scheduled for Sept. 22-23. We had asked the public to stay away during construction, but restrictions are postponed until the work begins.

Final COVID-19 Passenger Only Ferry Use Policy Available Online

Whatcom County Public Works appreciates everyone who took the time to make public comment on our passenger-only ferry and shuttle van COVID-19 policy while it was in draft form. We have made some modifications and published a final policy document on our ...

Restoration Project will Deliver Logs via Helicopter; Public Should Not Approach Operation

BELLINGHAM, WA – Residents in Birch Bay may see a low-flying helicopter carrying logs in the area of Terrell Creek between Kickerville Road and Jackson Road as part of fish habitat improvements to the waterway. The habitat improvements will take...

Results of Marine Drive Survey

We received 27 responses to our Marine Drive survey. We appreciate everyone who took the time to take the survey and to share it with their friends and neighbors. Your responses will help us as we continue to plan this project. 

• View the results o...

Lummi Island Ferry Crew Rescue Distressed Kayakers

Keen observation and quick action by the captain and crew of the Whatcom Chief saved two kayakers on Thursday, July 16. During a routine trip between Lummi Island and the mainland, Whatcom Chief Captain Gary Poole noticed a kayak in the distance that was ...

Swift Creek Channel Excavation August-November 2020

Whatcom County Public Works will excavate the Swift Creek Channel downstream of Goodwin Road Bridge and haul the sediment to the county-owned property at the corner of Oat Coles Road and S. Pass Road (a.k.a. the Oat Coles North Repository). Work will also...

Marine Drive Reconstruction Project Update for July 1, 2020

Whatcom County Public Works has been working with our hired design consultant, Pacific Survey and Engineering, Inc., toward developing the project to the 60% design level, which includes:  

• Roadway widening. 
• Stormwater and water quality s...

Public Invited to Help Collect Valuable Species Data Using Smartphone App

Community members are invited to become science volunteers as part of the newest project by the North Sound Stewards Program, organized by the Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) and RE Sources. The program will utilize iNaturalist, a free app and we...

May 9, 2019 E. Smith and Hannegan Intersection Project Nearing 30% Design

Whatcom County Public Works has executed a final design contract with our consultant, Transpo, and started the design of the multi-lane roundabout improvement for the intersection. We have completed our geotechnical explorations, environmental assessments...