WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Monday, June 5th, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) are scheduled to begin building a new bridge for the Squalicum Creek to Bellingham Bay fish passage project. The project, originally expected to begin today, May 30th, is expected to result in a 24/7 closure of E Sunset Drive/Mount Baker Highway (SR542) between Britton and Noon Roads for up to 105 days.
The $8.8 million project will remove the current culvert and replace it with a single-span 105-foot-long bridge.
WSDOT says signed detours for westbound and eastbound traffic via Hannegan Road and E Smith Road will be in place during the closure.
Additional closures are planned at the following intersections to deter motorists from bypassing the detour route.
- Kelly Road and Hannegan Road
- Van Wyck Road and Hannegan Road
- Van Wyck Road and Noon Road
The speed limit on Hannegan Road in the detour area will be reduced to 35 mph and a temporary traffic signal will be placed at the intersection of E Smith and Everson Goshen Roads according to WSDOT.
A 2013 court-ordered permanent injunction requires replacement by 2030 of state-owned culverts that block habitat for salmon and steelhead.