Project overview
Contractor crews working on behalf of WSDOT will starting work on the Slater Road corridor north of Bellingham, between Rural Avenue and Interstate 5. WSDOT contractor crews will remove the existing mini roundabout at the intersection of southbound I-5 and Slater Road, re-orientating the ramps to connect closer to the bridge overpass with a new multi-lane roundabout. Work includes curb installation, colored concrete, paving, stormwater work and new lights and signs.
These improvements at the intersection of Slater Road and southbound I-5 are the first of several planned improvements along Slater Road corridor.
What to expect
First, contractor crews will remove the old roundabout putting it back to the original, pre-roundabout conditions. Both lanes along Slater Rd will be pushed south to allow the contractor to build embankment for the north half of the new roundabout and ramp realignment. Once crews are finished building the new embankment there will be a settlement period. During this settlement period, crews will work on the south side of Slater Road. Work includes constructing the south part of the roundabout as well as the new pond.
Plan ahead for full ramp and single lane closures
From 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., week-day nights, on Slater Road between Rural Road and southbound I-5, traveler should expect overnight single-lane closures and occasional closures of the on-ramp from Slater Road to I-5 and off-ramp from I-5 to Slater Road through the duration of traffic.
During the month of September, travelers should expect extended closures of the on and off ramps and single lane closures:
- Monday, September 23 until Saturday, September 28: the Slater Road on-ramp will close for 5 days.
- Sunday, September 29 until October 8: Once the on-ramp closure work concludes, travelers should expect a full closure of the southbound I-5 to Slater Road off-ramp.
- Once those ramp closures conclude, travelers should also expect overnight, single lane closures through the duration of construction, including the full repaving, landscaping, and final striping.
Looking west down Slater Road from the intersection of Slater Road and Northwest Drive, which is one of the proposed sites included in the Slate Road interchange improvement project.