DEMING, Wash. — Officials with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), citing a lack of “options for pedestrians, bicyclists and those using mobility devices to travel,” have begun a study to “document transportation needs along the SR 542 [Mount Baker Highway] corridor in Deming as well as possible strategies to enhance accessibility and safety for all modes of travel.”
The study focuses on sections of the highway between the roundabout at Nugents Corner (Lawrence Road) and the roundabout at Valley Highway (SR9).
WSDOT provided an online survey for travelers (links to a PDF file) earlier this year that asked participants if they faced the following challenges while traveling this section of the highway.
- Vehicles drive too fast
- Traffic backup or congestion
- Problems with passing vehicles
- Safety concerns or issues at specific intersections or driveways
- The road or pavement is not in good condition
- There are not good enough quality bicycle or pedestrian facilities
WSDOT officials announced that they and Nooksack Tribal staff will be hosting a public gathering on Saturday, October 1st from 1pm to 4pm at the Deming Library, located at 5044 Mount Baker Highway, to discuss the results of the survey and the ongoing corridor study.