Northwest/Elm/Dupont Bike Lanes: Going to Bid This Month

At the Feb. 27, 2012 Bellingham City Council meeting, Project Engineer Craig Mueller gave an update to the Council on the project to add bike lanes on Northwest/Elm/Dupont from McLeod Rd. to Whatcom Creek (project page). Council had asked staff to go forward with designing the project back in May of 2011 (see post), and apparently that work was nearing completion.

Staff were asking for approval on the final design, and permission to put the project out the bid. Council agreed on both parts.

The project is actually a bit more than just bike lanes. According to the information provided to Council, "Elm and Dupont Streets will receive an overlay as well as ADA complaint pedestrian ramps prior to restriping. Light bases will be installed at the Alderwood Avenue intersection in preparation for an enhanced crossing. Curb extensions will be installed on the east side of the Connecticut Avenue intersection per the Fountain District Urban Village Plan."

As for funding: "The estimated budget is $420,000 for TBD [Transportation Benefit District] (Non-Motorized) funds to be utilized for bike lane improvements. TBD (Overlay Funds) will be used for the overlay portion of the project."

Construction is expected this year.