Photo Credit: WSDOT
Whatcom County: State Route 542 will be reduced to one lane at Glacier Springs beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. The Nooksack River is eroding land near the eastbound lane.
- WSDOT has installed temporary traffic signals to alternate traffic in the westbound lane.
- WSDOT will begin work on a $3 million emergency project to realign this stretch of SR 542 later this month.
Overview
Later this month, WSDOT will begin work on a $3 million emergency project to realign SR 542 in the Glacier Springs area, about four miles east of Maple Falls.
Why is WSDOT realigning SR 542 in the Glacier Springs area?
WSDOT is preemptively reducing SR 542 to one lane of traffic approaching Glacier Springs due to erosion from the Nooksack River.
During the two-week period from Nov. 21 to Dec. 5, 2014, runoff in the Nooksack River from heavy rainfall washed away between five and six feet of the embankment near the shoulder of the eastbound lane. Gov. Jay Inslee signed a proclamation on Dec. 10, 2014, declaring a state of emergency on this stretch of highway. The declaration allows WSDOT to seek $3 million in emergency relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration to repair or relocate the damaged section of the highway. Realigning the highway to the north, farther away from the river, will maintain the only road link to eastern Whatcom County and the Mount Baker area.
During the winter ski season, this section of SR 542 carries approximately 2,000 vehicles a day each weekday and 3,000 vehicles a day each weekend, as visitors head to and from the Mt. Baker Ski Area. The Mount Baker area and Artist Point are also popular summer tourist destinations.
The current situation:
- WSDOT will implement a long-term emergency lane closure on SR 542 at 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015.
- Maintenance crews will close the eastbound lane.
- Flaggers and temporary signals will alternate traffic in the westbound lane.
- Drivers should expect delays in the area and give themselves extra time to reach their destinations.
What are the challenges we face realigning the highway?
- Project timing: WSDOT will begin work on a $3 million emergency project to realign this stretch of SR 542 in February 2015.
- Property acquisition: WSDOT does not own right-of-way in the area and must purchase land from local owners for the new highway alignment.
- Moving utilities: Prior to beginning work on the highway, telephone and fiber optic lines need to be moved. This may require short-term lane closures along SR 542.
What should drivers expect?
Drivers should expect some delays as temporary signals will alternate traffic through the area until the realignment work is complete.
The End Result
The new SR 542 alignment will move the highway farther from the Nooksack River and better maintain the only link to eastern Whatcom County and the Mount Baker area.
Project Benefits
- Improved safety: Realigning the highway improves safety for the approximately 2,000 to 3,000 vehicles that travel this portion daily.
- Access: With no alternate routes, SR 542 through the Glacier Springs area is a lifeline for residents and businesses, including the Mount Baker Ski Area, which attracts thousands of recreational visitors.
- Protects environment: Realigning SR 542 reduces the effect of the highway as a barrier to the natural forces of the Nooksack River, relieves aquatic species and habitat of some of the effects of shoring up the river bank, and reduces the need for working in the river, which we have had to do in the past.
What is the project timeline?
- To be determined.
Financial Information
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Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
Source: Washington State Department of Transportation
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