Meridian–Birchwood Roundabout Project Moves Forward with Open House Set for March 4 in Bellingham

BELLINGHAM — Plans for a new multimodal roundabout at Meridian Street and Birchwood Avenue are moving ahead as the City of Bellingham advances a broader transportation improvement project in the area.

The proposed roundabout would replace the existing traffic signal at Meridian and Birchwood as part of an effort to address congestion at two closely spaced intersections that connect the waterfront, the Port of Bellingham, and Interstate 5. Traffic analysis completed by the city confirmed the roundabout will include a single circulating lane, a right-turn lane on the southbound Meridian approach, and a right-turn pocket on the westbound Birchwood approach.

City officials say the redesign is intended to improve traffic flow for both passenger vehicles and freight while also increasing safety and efficiency for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. The project also includes realigning Squalicum Way to better match Birchwood Avenue before reaching Meridian Street and reconstructing Birchwood to create a standard T-intersection at the realigned parkway.

Beyond vehicle circulation, the project includes significant multimodal upgrades. Plans call for filling in missing sidewalk segments along Birchwood, extending bike lane improvements north on Meridian to the roundabout, and upgrading existing bicycle facilities within the project footprint. WTA bus stops on Birchwood and Meridian will also be improved. The Bay to Baker Trail is slated to extend through the project area, including a new crossing at Meridian on the south leg of the roundabout.

Environmental and infrastructure work is also part of the scope. An unused portion of Squalicum Way will be removed to allow restoration of Tributary W, improving fish habitat. Aging water mains and sewer pipes will be replaced, a major gas line will be relocated to accommodate habitat restoration, and updated stormwater systems such as permeable pavement and bioretention features will be installed. Public art funding through the city’s 1% for the Arts program will support artwork within the roundabout and potentially other locations nearby.

If we are understanding the map correctly, right now Birchwood Avenue and Squalicum Way hit Meridian as two separate intersections that sit very close together, which is part of why traffic can get backed up there. Under the new plan, Squalicum Way would be shifted so it lines up with Birchwood before reaching Meridian. That means traffic from both roads would merge into one single entrance before entering the roundabout. Instead of two awkward intersections next to each other, there would be one cleaner, more organized approach designed to make it easier for drivers to move through the area.

The project has reached the 60 percent design stage, with the 90 percent milestone expected in the third quarter of 2026 as the city works through permitting and right-of-way acquisition. Once construction begins, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians should expect detours, lane closures, and changes to normal travel patterns. A traffic control and detour plan is currently being developed.

Community members are invited to learn more and share input at an open house scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Parkview Elementary School. Those unable to attend in person can review project materials and submit feedback through the city’s online engagement page. City officials say public input will help refine the final design before construction moves forward.

Fernando Gonzalez is the editor-in-chief of Bellingham Metro News.