Birch Bay-Lynden Rd. and Blaine Rd. Intersection Improvements

Intersection Improvement Map Location

Summary

The intersection of Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Blaine Road (SR-542) experiences significant congestion during peak hours, especially in the summer. Whatcom County Public Works plans to make improvements to the intersection that will enhance multi-modal safety and improve traffic flow through the intersection. The project will include the following components:

  • Rebuild the intersection with a new compact roundabout.
  • Construct curb, gutter, and sidewalks.
  • Install stormwater conveyance, as well as treatment and/or detention as required.
  • Relocate various utilities impacted by the project.

Project Benefits

The improvements will provide several benefits to the general public:

  • Improve multi-modal safety by reducing conflict points between various roadway users.
  • Provide curb-separated pedestrian and bicyclist facilities.
  • Improve traffic flow through the intersection while ensuring reduced speeds at the intersection.
  • Improved drainage through the intersection.

Project Status

Planning Phase (2020-2021)

  • Topographic Survey
  • Site Reconnaissance
  • Preliminary Engineering
  • Intersection Control Evaluation
  • Community Engagement

Design Phase (2021-2024)

  • Intersection Design
  • Permitting
  • Right-of-Way Acquisition
  • Community Engagement

Construction Phase (2025-2026)

  • Advertise for Bids
  • Award Contract
  • Construct Improvements

Public Input 

We want to hear from you! Please take our online survey so we can better understand how you use the intersection:

Whatcom County Public Works will have a virtual public meeting to explain this project and gather public feedback. Information about the public meeting will be posted here once it is available. 

  1. Oct. 20, 2023-60% Design Complete

    Whatcom County has received the 60% Design from our consultant, Reid Middleton. Construction of this project is currently planned for the summer of 2025. Read on...

  2. Intersection Alternative Analysis Underway

    In the weeks and months ahead, you may see Public Works staff and consultants on-site gathering additional information about the location that will assist in the alternatives being considered for design. Read on...
View All News

Contact Us

  1. Andrew Tischleder

    Project Engineer
    360-778-6224
    [email protected]

    322 N Commercial Street
    Suite 301
    Bellingham, WA 98225

    Phone: 360-778-6210
    Fax: 360-778-6211


Project Overview

  • Status: Design phase
  • Next Steps: Final design, permitting, and construction. 
  • Schedule: Construction anticipated 2026
  • Construction Contractor: TBD
  • Construction Costs: TBD


Stay Updated

Using the Notify Me system, you can sign up to get "News Flash' notifications by text or email whenever we have project updates to share.

How to sign up to receive email and/or text notifications: 

  1. Go to the Notify Me page on our website. 
  2. Type in your email address and phone number under the ‘Your Profile Information’ section at the top of the page.
  3. Scroll down to the News Flash section, and find the News Flash labeled Public Works – Birch Bay Lynden and Blaine Roads Intersection Improvements.
  4. Click on the envelope icon and/or the phone icon, depending on your preferences. The envelope icon will send you emails, and the phone icon will send you text messages. 
  5. Finally, you will get an email or text confirmation from Civic Plus (depending on which icon you click in Step 4). Click the link to confirm your subscription.