Drivers should expect ‘significant slowdowns’ as work starts on Meridian Street roundabout

Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Meridian and Illinois streets began this week, Bellingham officials said.

Work on water mains in the area was set to finish Monday night, and then workers will start tearing down the traffic lights and other infrastructure, Public Works Department spokeswoman Natalie Monro told The Bellingham Herald.

“The demolition work will begin this week on the southwest corner of the intersection. While one lane will be open at all times with flaggers, drivers can expect significant slowdowns through the month of July and are advised to take other routes when possible,” Monro said in an email.

A new roundabout is part of series of efforts to make the streets safer for people to walk, ride bikes and drive in the Columbia and Cornwall Park neighborhoods.

In addition to the roundabout, the city is building sidewalks and adding bike lanes to West Illinois Street.

The intersection of Meridian and West Illinois is part of a commercial district that includes a Haggen supermarket and is a few blocks north of the Fountain District “urban village,” which has seen several new apartment buildings and a commercial transformation in recent years.

Meridian Street carries 11,800 cars and trucks daily north of the intersection, according to a 2023 traffic count from the city of Bellingham. West Illinois carries 5,900 cars daily west of Meridian and 8,500 cars daily east of Meridian.