BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Readers have reported traffic impacts in the area of a planned multi-lane roundabout at the intersection of E Smith Road and Hannegan Road. Officials with Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) say such impacts can be expected.
Utility relocation work around the project area began this week and is expected to continue weekdays until the end of May. This work is expected to create delays for motorists and alternate routes are advised.
More work to prepare for building the roundabout is expected to begin around the end of May and continue through July 4th. While lanes will remain open, motorists can expect delays.
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Click for more informationThe intersection is then expected to be completely closed to traffic and a detour around the work area will be posted. The contractor is allowed to close the intersection for a total of 25 consecutive calendar days between July 8th and August 7th, according to WCPW.
As of the end of 2023, the project is estimated to be completed sometime in the fall of 2024.
WCPW officials said they are working to finalize schedule details with Stremler Gravel Inc., the project contractor.
The multi-lane roundabout is expected to be equipped with a “curb-separated pedestrian and bicyclist facilities.”
This multimillion-dollar project is being funded by $3,952,642 in federal funds, including $2,500,000 in Surface Transportation Block Grant funds, $1,000,000 in Highway Safety Improvement Program funds and $452,642 in Carbon Reduction Program funds according to WCPW.