Birch Bay Lynden Road/California Creek Culvert Replacement


 

This project is located east of the Birch Bay community where California Creek crosses under Birch Bay Lynden Road near the intersection with Ham Road.  

Summary

Whatcom County Public Works is designing a water crossing structure on Birch Bay Lynden Road over California Creek to replace the temporary culverts installed under emergency conditions following the road failure in late 2021.

Project Updates  

August 2024:  Geotechnical work will affect daytime traffic on Birch Bay Lynden Road at Ham Road August 12-13. Drivers should expect single-lane closures with flaggers between 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

This work is part of a preliminary engineering analysis for an upcoming construction project. Crews will use a drill rig to bore holes through the roadway. 

Birch Bay Lynden Road/California Creek Culvert

  1. 1 2021 Birch Bay Lynden Rd embankment failure
  2. 2 2021 Birch Bay Lynden Road washout
  3. 3 Birch Bay Lynden Road California Creek Culvert Washout
  4. 4 2021 Birch Bay Lynden Rd washout looking upstream
  5. 5 Birch Bay Lynden Road Temporary Culvert Construction
  6. 6 Birch Bay Lynden Road California Creek Culvert Temporary Repairs
  7. 7 Birch Bay Lynden Road Temporary Repair Aerial View

Project Description

The existing 12-foot span corrugated metal pipe arch culvert failed and washed out the roadway during the November 2021 historic flooding events. Two temporary 10-foot diameter corrugated metal culverts were installed under emergency conditions following the road failure to restore essential traffic.  The emergency repair will remain in place while a permanent repair project meeting current design and environmental regulatory requirements is developed and constructed.

Project Goals

  • Meet conditions of issued Emergency Permits
  • Improve fish passage
  • Improve safety and reduce risk to public infrastructure
  1. Funding
  2. Financial Updates
  3. Project Documents

This project qualifies for federal funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief (ER) Program. The emergency project is funded fully through federal ER funds and the permanent project is funded through a combination of federal ER funds and the Whatcom County Local Road Fund.   

Google Street View of Project Site