SR 542 Squalicum Creek to Bellingham Bay Fish Passage - Complete November 2023

Squalicum Creek is a tributary of Bellingham Bay located 2.5 miles east of the Nooksack River delta. The creek drains approximately 22 square miles (originating in the Cascade foothills east of Bellingham and north of Lake Whatcom), and flows southeast for approximately 10 miles before discharging into Bellingham Bay. It primarily supports pink, chum and coho salmon as well as resident and sea-run cutthroat trout. Removing the existing barrier will improve habitat for these species of native fish. The contractor will replace the existing 6-foot by 6-foot box culvert with a fish passable single-span bridge that is approximately 150 feet long. 

Why we are removing fish passage barriers

State highways cross streams and rivers in thousands of places in Washington State, which can impede fish migration. WSDOT has worked for nearly three decades to improve fish passage and reconnect streams to help keep our waterways healthy. WSDOT fish barrier correction is a priority.