SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House

Share SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House on Facebook Share SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House on Twitter Share SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House on Linkedin Email SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House link

Welcome

Welcome to the online open house for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project in the city of Bellingham: the I-5/Guide Meridian Interchange and SR 539/I-5 to Kellogg Road - Paving & ADA Compliance project.

Through this online open house, you can:

  • Learn more about the project, including:
    • Findings from previous public engagement
    • Existing corridor conditions
    • Proposed near-term strategies for pedestrians, bicyclists and general roadway users
  • Provide feedback on proposed pedestrian, bicycle and roadway enhancements
  • Share your experiences and ideas for specific locations
  • Tell us a little about how you would like to travel along this corridor

After reviewing a brief summary of the proposed strategies, we invite you to participate in a short survey – estimated to take 10-20 minutes – to help us better understand your expectations and needs.

Your input will directly inform recommendations, especially those aimed at improving access for active transportation users – people walking, biking, rolling and using public transit.

This online open house will remain available through Monday, December 1st.

Map showing the highlighted project extents within the City of Bellingham in Whatcom County. The project runs north–south along Meridian Street (SR 539) between Kellogg Road and the I-5 NB Interchange.


Figure 1: Vicinity map of the paving extending from I-5 to Kellogg Road

Project description

WSDOT is planning to resurface both directions of State Route 539 between Interstate 5 and Kellogg Road in Bellingham. This work will extend the life of the pavement and keep the corridor in a state of good repair for years to come.

Crews will grind and replace sections of pavement, repair damaged areas, replace traffic detection loops, add new striping and manage traffic safely throughout construction. Pedestrian curb ramps will also be upgraded to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and current accessibility standards.

In keeping with WSDOT's Complete Streets commitment, this project will include as many strategies as possible for people walking, biking, rolling and riding transit—within the available budget and construction timeline.

Construction is scheduled for summer 2027. While this project focuses on pavement preservation, it lays the groundwork for a long-term vision that could include additional corridor enhancements in a future, currently unfunded phase.

Complete Streets

Complete Streets is about designing roadways that work for everyone—whether you're walking, biking, rolling, taking the bus or driving.

For SR 539, the goal is to make the corridor more comfortable and accessible by:

  • Making it easier for people driving to see people walking, biking and rolling
  • Reducing exposure for people walking, biking and rolling
  • Improving how all users move through intersections
  • Updating traffic signal timing to improve corridor operations
  • Implementing speed calming measures to reduce vehicle turning speeds
  • Creating more separation between vehicles and people walking, biking and rolling

Community engagement

WSDOT has worked with community-based organizations, nearby businesses, agency partners and the public through flyers, in-person conversations, local media and an online questionnaire to better understand community needs.

What we heard

People shared valuable feedback about how the corridor functions today. Common themes included:

  • Challenging traffic merges and lane shifts between the I-5 northbound off-ramp and Telegraph Road
  • Stressful conditions for people walking, biking and rolling under I-5
  • Concerns about removing a travel lane
  • Inconvenient pedestrian and bicycle crossings
  • Tight turning movements for buses
  • Freight and large truck access near the I-5 northbound off-ramp

Strategies proposed

Based on community input, WSDOT developed options that focus on near-term strategies while planning for the corridor's long-term future. These updates aim to:

  • Simplify roadway movements and improve access
  • Strengthen active transportation connections under I-5
  • Improving corridor operations while improving ADA and bike facilities
  • Enhance links to local active transportation networks
  • Support WTA bus operations and bicycle loading
  • Accommodate large vehicle turning movements

Proposed near-term strategies

Near-term strategies would:

  • Widen sidewalks and add landscaped buffers where possible
  • Create safer, more comfortable crossings that connect better to the local street network

The corridor varies in right-of-way width – from about 90 to 150 feet – and includes a mix of landscaping and sidewalks of different widths. The graphics below highlight opportunities and constraints that shaped the proposed near-term strategies.

Corridor strategies developed to better support community and transit connections

The SR 539 project includes strategies to make the corridor safer, more accessible and better connected for people walking, biking, rolling and using transit. The graphics below illustrate existing conditions and proposed strategies along the corridor.

1: Full-width landscaped buffers and sidewalks

Comparison of existing conditions and proposed cross-sections along Meridian Street (SR 539). The existing condition shows a roadway with two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, sidewalks on both sides, and no landscaped buffer. The proposed condition maintains the same roadway configuration and incorporates a landscaped buffer between the roadway and both sidewalks, enhancing pedestrian experience and visual appeal.

Figure 2: Comparison of existing and proposed cross-sections for Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor adding landscaping next to roadway.

Where space allows, some sections of the corridor would include 3 to 5 feet of landscaped buffers – preserving mature trees where possible – and 5 to 6-foot-wide sidewalks to create a more comfortable walking environment.

2: Partial-width landscaped buffers and sidewalks

Comparison of existing conditions and proposed cross-sections along Meridian Street (SR 539) where the right-of-way is more confined. The existing condition shows a roadway with two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, sidewalks on both sides, and no landscaped buffer. The proposed condition maintains the same roadway configuration and incorporates a landscaped buffer between the roadway and one sidewalk along the corridor, enhancing pedestrian experience and visual appeal.

Figure 3: Comparison of existing and proposed cross-sections for Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor in an area of limited right-of-way.

In areas with limited right-of-way, the project would still improve sidewalks and provide smaller landscaped buffers, creating a more comfortable walking environment even where space is constrained.

3: Under I-5 shared-use path

Comparison of existing conditions and proposed cross-sections along the I-5 undercrossing on Meridian Street (SR 539). The existing condition shows a roadway with two lanes in each direction with a right turn lane, a sidewalk on one side with no buffer. The proposed condition maintains the same roadway configuration and incorporates a raised share-use path along the corridor, enhancing pedestrian experience and visual appeal.

Figure 4: Comparison of existing and proposed cross-sections for Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor under the I-5 bridges.

Reconfigurations under I-5 would create a shared-use path that improves access and a buffer for people walking, biking and rolling. The path would connect to the City of Bellingham's proposed shared-use path to the south and extend north in the direction of Telegraph Road, enhancing access to this important bicycle corridor.

Intersection strategies to support active transportation

Improving crossings and accessibility is a key priority to support people walking, biking, rolling and riding transit along and across SR 539. Within the project area, there are eight intersections where pedestrians and bicyclists cross the corridor. The City of Bellingham has identified several of these locations as important connections within the local bicycle network. The proposed intersection strategies are designed to reduce exposure at these crossings and make them more comfortable and easier to navigate for all users.

Included in each would be:

  • Increased separation for bicycles: A mountable curb apron would help separate bicyclists and vehicles (shown in red)
  • Improved crossings for pedestrians: Mountable curb aprons would improve visibility and slow vehicle turning speeds (shown in red)
  • Better visibility for cyclists: Bicycle intersection crossing markings would highlight bike lanes and make people on bicycles easier to see.

1: SR 539 / Kellogg Road intersection

Graphic of the existing intersection at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Kellogg Road. The map shows the current lane layout, crosswalks, sidewalks, and right-of-way boundaries marked in red dashed lines labeled ‘WSDOT RW.’ Meridian Street runs north–south, and Kellogg Road runs east–west. A north arrow is shown in the upper right corner, and a green title bar at the top reads ‘Existing – Meridian St (SR 539) and Kellogg Rd Intersection.Graphic of the proposed improvements at the Meridian Street (SR 539) and Kellogg Road intersection. The design shows new mountable curb aprons, added bike lanes on West and East Kellogg Road, and new marked crosswalks with green pavement markings across Kellogg Road. Red-shaded areas indicate proposed mountable curb aprons within the WSDOT right-of-way, outlined with red dashed lines. Meridian Street runs north–south, Kellogg Road runs east–west, and a north arrow appears in the upper right corner beneath a green title bar reading ‘Proposed – Meridian St (SR 539) and Kellogg Rd Intersection.

Figure 5: Comparison of existing and proposed strategies at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Kellogg Road intersection.

Proposed strategies at the Kellogg Road intersection:

  • Add a mountable curb apron to separate vehicles and people bicycling
  • Slow vehicle turning speeds for pedestrian crossings with mountable curb aprons
  • Use pavement markings to highlight bicycle lanes and increase visibility
  • Traffic signal timing updates to improve corridor operations

2: SR 539 / Bakerview Road intersection

Graphic of the existing intersection at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Bakerview Road. The map shows the current lane layout, crosswalks, sidewalks, and right-of-way boundaries marked in red dashed lines labeled ‘WSDOT RW.’ Meridian Street runs north–south, and Bakerview Road runs east–west. A north arrow is shown in the upper right corner, and a green title bar at the top reads ‘Existing – Meridian St (SR 539) and Bakerview Rd Intersection.Graphic of the proposed improvements at the Meridian Street (SR 539) and Bakerview Road intersection. The design shows new mountable curb aprons, added bike lanes on West and East Bakerview Road, and new marked crosswalks with green pavement markings across Bakerview Road. Red-shaded areas indicate proposed mountable curb aprons within the WSDOT right-of-way, outlined with red dashed lines. Meridian Street runs north–south, Bakerview Road runs east–west, and a north arrow appears in the upper right corner beneath a green title bar reading ‘Proposed – Meridian St (SR 539) and Bakerview Rd Intersection.

Figure 6: Comparison of existing and proposed strategies at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Bakerview Road intersection.

Proposed strategies at the Bakerview Road intersection:

  • Add a mountable curb apron to clearly define space for people bicycling
  • Slow vehicle turning speeds for pedestrian crossings with mountable curb aprons
  • Use pavement markings to highlight bicycle lanes and increase visibility
  • Traffic signal timing updates to improve corridor operations

3: SR 539 / Telegraph Road intersection

Graphic of the existing intersection at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Telegraph Road. The map shows the current lane layout, crosswalks, sidewalks, and right-of-way boundaries marked in red dashed lines labeled ‘WSDOT RW.’ Meridian Street runs north–south, and Telegraph Road runs east–west. A north arrow is shown in the upper right corner, and a green title bar at the top reads ‘Existing – Meridian St (SR 539) and Telegraph Rd Intersection.Graphic of the proposed improvements at the Meridian Street (SR 539) and Telegraph Road intersection. The design shows new mountable curb aprons, added bike lanes on West and East Telegraph Road, and new marked crosswalks with green pavement markings across Telegraph Road. Red-shaded areas indicate proposed mountable curb aprons within the WSDOT right-of-way, outlined with red dashed lines. Meridian Street runs north–south, Telegraph Road runs east–west, and a north arrow appears in the upper right corner beneath a green title bar reading ‘Proposed – Meridian St (SR 539) and Telegraph Rd Intersection.

Figure 7: Comparison of existing and proposed strategies at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Telegraph Road intersection.

Proposed strategies at the Telegraph Road intersection:

  • Add a mountable curb apron to clearly define space for people bicycling
  • Slow vehicle turning speeds for pedestrian crossings with mountable curb aprons
  • Use pavement markings to highlight bicycle lanes and increase visibility
  • Traffic signal timing updates to improve corridor operations

4: SR 539 / I-5 interchange

Graphic of the existing intersection at Meridian Street (SR 539) and the I-5 NB Interchange. The map shows the current lane layout, crosswalks, sidewalks, and right-of-way boundaries marked in red dashed lines labeled ‘WSDOT RW.’ Meridian Street runs north–south, and the I-5 NB Interchange runs east–west. A north arrow is shown in the upper right corner, and a green title bar at the top reads ‘Existing – Meridian St (SR 539) and I-5 NB Interchange Intersection.

Figure 8: Comparison of existing and proposed strategies at Meridian Street (SR 539) and northbound I-5 interchange intersection.

Proposed strategies at the I-5 interchange:

  • Reduce weaving movements as northbound vehicles approach Telegraph
  • Install a shared-use path for people walking, biking and rolling
  • Remove the channelized right turn to simplify traffic movements
  • Define space for active transportation users with a mountable curb apron
  • Shorten pedestrian crossings using extended curbs
  • Traffic signal timing updates to improve corridor operations

Long-term vision

Facility options under consideration

During this pre-design phase, we identified constraints in meeting the corridor's Complete Streets objectives. In response, we developed three potential future options in coordination with the city of Bellingham that maximize enhancements to the corridor while maintaining flexibility with the proposed near-term strategies. This approach defines remaining future needs and ensures that initial investments align with these future enhancements.

SR 539 Shared-Use Path – East

Graphic of the proposed long-term vision along Meridian Street (SR 539). The design shows an added shared-use path along the east side of Meridian Street.

Figure 9: Potential long-term strategy on Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor that includes an east shared-use path.

Raised pathway on eastern side.

  • A 5-foot landscaped buffer and a 10-foot shared-use path with 2-foot shoulders on each side
  • Requires extensive right-of-way acquisition
  • Earthwork and retaining wall work required north of Prince Avenue

SR 539 Shared-Use Path – West

Figure 10: Potential long-term strategy on Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor that includes a west shared-use path.

Raised pathway on western side.

  • A 5-foot landscaped buffer and a 10-foot shared-use path with 2-foot shoulders on each side
  • Requires extensive right-of-way acquisition
  • Overlap with Baker/Spring Creek confluence requires significant stream work and earthwork

SR 539 Protected Bicycle Lanes and Sidewalks

Graphic of the proposed long-term vision along Meridian Street (SR 539). The design shows added protected bicycle lanes and sidewalks along both sides of Meridian Street.

Figure 11: Potential long-term strategy on Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor that includes protected bicycle lanes and sidewalks.

Protected bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides.

  • A 5-foot landscaped buffer with protected 6-foot bicycle lanes and 6-foot sidewalks
  • Requires extensive right-of-way acquisition
  • Overlap with Baker/Spring Creek confluence requires significant stream work and earthwork

Next Steps

We will share our preferred design options in early 2026.

Continued work on the long-term vision will be coordinated with the City of Bellingham as part of their long-range transportation planning efforts. You can learn more about their ongoing efforts through the following resources:

Keep in Touch

  • Your feedback is important throughout the project. Fill out the survey below and include your email address or click this link if you would like to join the email distribution list. We will also post updates to the project website and on X. Follow our X account using @WSDOT_North.

Title VI Notice to Public

It is the Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT's Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OECR's Title VI Coordinator at (360) 705-7090.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information

This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing the Office of Equity and Civil Rights wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov at or by calling toll free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.

Welcome

Welcome to the online open house for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project in the city of Bellingham: the I-5/Guide Meridian Interchange and SR 539/I-5 to Kellogg Road - Paving & ADA Compliance project.

Through this online open house, you can:

  • Learn more about the project, including:
    • Findings from previous public engagement
    • Existing corridor conditions
    • Proposed near-term strategies for pedestrians, bicyclists and general roadway users
  • Provide feedback on proposed pedestrian, bicycle and roadway enhancements
  • Share your experiences and ideas for specific locations
  • Tell us a little about how you would like to travel along this corridor

After reviewing a brief summary of the proposed strategies, we invite you to participate in a short survey – estimated to take 10-20 minutes – to help us better understand your expectations and needs.

Your input will directly inform recommendations, especially those aimed at improving access for active transportation users – people walking, biking, rolling and using public transit.

This online open house will remain available through Monday, December 1st.

Map showing the highlighted project extents within the City of Bellingham in Whatcom County. The project runs north–south along Meridian Street (SR 539) between Kellogg Road and the I-5 NB Interchange.


Figure 1: Vicinity map of the paving extending from I-5 to Kellogg Road

Project description

WSDOT is planning to resurface both directions of State Route 539 between Interstate 5 and Kellogg Road in Bellingham. This work will extend the life of the pavement and keep the corridor in a state of good repair for years to come.

Crews will grind and replace sections of pavement, repair damaged areas, replace traffic detection loops, add new striping and manage traffic safely throughout construction. Pedestrian curb ramps will also be upgraded to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and current accessibility standards.

In keeping with WSDOT's Complete Streets commitment, this project will include as many strategies as possible for people walking, biking, rolling and riding transit—within the available budget and construction timeline.

Construction is scheduled for summer 2027. While this project focuses on pavement preservation, it lays the groundwork for a long-term vision that could include additional corridor enhancements in a future, currently unfunded phase.

Complete Streets

Complete Streets is about designing roadways that work for everyone—whether you're walking, biking, rolling, taking the bus or driving.

For SR 539, the goal is to make the corridor more comfortable and accessible by:

  • Making it easier for people driving to see people walking, biking and rolling
  • Reducing exposure for people walking, biking and rolling
  • Improving how all users move through intersections
  • Updating traffic signal timing to improve corridor operations
  • Implementing speed calming measures to reduce vehicle turning speeds
  • Creating more separation between vehicles and people walking, biking and rolling

Community engagement

WSDOT has worked with community-based organizations, nearby businesses, agency partners and the public through flyers, in-person conversations, local media and an online questionnaire to better understand community needs.

What we heard

People shared valuable feedback about how the corridor functions today. Common themes included:

  • Challenging traffic merges and lane shifts between the I-5 northbound off-ramp and Telegraph Road
  • Stressful conditions for people walking, biking and rolling under I-5
  • Concerns about removing a travel lane
  • Inconvenient pedestrian and bicycle crossings
  • Tight turning movements for buses
  • Freight and large truck access near the I-5 northbound off-ramp

Strategies proposed

Based on community input, WSDOT developed options that focus on near-term strategies while planning for the corridor's long-term future. These updates aim to:

  • Simplify roadway movements and improve access
  • Strengthen active transportation connections under I-5
  • Improving corridor operations while improving ADA and bike facilities
  • Enhance links to local active transportation networks
  • Support WTA bus operations and bicycle loading
  • Accommodate large vehicle turning movements

Proposed near-term strategies

Near-term strategies would:

  • Widen sidewalks and add landscaped buffers where possible
  • Create safer, more comfortable crossings that connect better to the local street network

The corridor varies in right-of-way width – from about 90 to 150 feet – and includes a mix of landscaping and sidewalks of different widths. The graphics below highlight opportunities and constraints that shaped the proposed near-term strategies.

Corridor strategies developed to better support community and transit connections

The SR 539 project includes strategies to make the corridor safer, more accessible and better connected for people walking, biking, rolling and using transit. The graphics below illustrate existing conditions and proposed strategies along the corridor.

1: Full-width landscaped buffers and sidewalks

Comparison of existing conditions and proposed cross-sections along Meridian Street (SR 539). The existing condition shows a roadway with two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, sidewalks on both sides, and no landscaped buffer. The proposed condition maintains the same roadway configuration and incorporates a landscaped buffer between the roadway and both sidewalks, enhancing pedestrian experience and visual appeal.

Figure 2: Comparison of existing and proposed cross-sections for Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor adding landscaping next to roadway.

Where space allows, some sections of the corridor would include 3 to 5 feet of landscaped buffers – preserving mature trees where possible – and 5 to 6-foot-wide sidewalks to create a more comfortable walking environment.

2: Partial-width landscaped buffers and sidewalks

Comparison of existing conditions and proposed cross-sections along Meridian Street (SR 539) where the right-of-way is more confined. The existing condition shows a roadway with two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, sidewalks on both sides, and no landscaped buffer. The proposed condition maintains the same roadway configuration and incorporates a landscaped buffer between the roadway and one sidewalk along the corridor, enhancing pedestrian experience and visual appeal.

Figure 3: Comparison of existing and proposed cross-sections for Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor in an area of limited right-of-way.

In areas with limited right-of-way, the project would still improve sidewalks and provide smaller landscaped buffers, creating a more comfortable walking environment even where space is constrained.

3: Under I-5 shared-use path

Comparison of existing conditions and proposed cross-sections along the I-5 undercrossing on Meridian Street (SR 539). The existing condition shows a roadway with two lanes in each direction with a right turn lane, a sidewalk on one side with no buffer. The proposed condition maintains the same roadway configuration and incorporates a raised share-use path along the corridor, enhancing pedestrian experience and visual appeal.

Figure 4: Comparison of existing and proposed cross-sections for Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor under the I-5 bridges.

Reconfigurations under I-5 would create a shared-use path that improves access and a buffer for people walking, biking and rolling. The path would connect to the City of Bellingham's proposed shared-use path to the south and extend north in the direction of Telegraph Road, enhancing access to this important bicycle corridor.

Intersection strategies to support active transportation

Improving crossings and accessibility is a key priority to support people walking, biking, rolling and riding transit along and across SR 539. Within the project area, there are eight intersections where pedestrians and bicyclists cross the corridor. The City of Bellingham has identified several of these locations as important connections within the local bicycle network. The proposed intersection strategies are designed to reduce exposure at these crossings and make them more comfortable and easier to navigate for all users.

Included in each would be:

  • Increased separation for bicycles: A mountable curb apron would help separate bicyclists and vehicles (shown in red)
  • Improved crossings for pedestrians: Mountable curb aprons would improve visibility and slow vehicle turning speeds (shown in red)
  • Better visibility for cyclists: Bicycle intersection crossing markings would highlight bike lanes and make people on bicycles easier to see.

1: SR 539 / Kellogg Road intersection

Graphic of the existing intersection at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Kellogg Road. The map shows the current lane layout, crosswalks, sidewalks, and right-of-way boundaries marked in red dashed lines labeled ‘WSDOT RW.’ Meridian Street runs north–south, and Kellogg Road runs east–west. A north arrow is shown in the upper right corner, and a green title bar at the top reads ‘Existing – Meridian St (SR 539) and Kellogg Rd Intersection.Graphic of the proposed improvements at the Meridian Street (SR 539) and Kellogg Road intersection. The design shows new mountable curb aprons, added bike lanes on West and East Kellogg Road, and new marked crosswalks with green pavement markings across Kellogg Road. Red-shaded areas indicate proposed mountable curb aprons within the WSDOT right-of-way, outlined with red dashed lines. Meridian Street runs north–south, Kellogg Road runs east–west, and a north arrow appears in the upper right corner beneath a green title bar reading ‘Proposed – Meridian St (SR 539) and Kellogg Rd Intersection.

Figure 5: Comparison of existing and proposed strategies at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Kellogg Road intersection.

Proposed strategies at the Kellogg Road intersection:

  • Add a mountable curb apron to separate vehicles and people bicycling
  • Slow vehicle turning speeds for pedestrian crossings with mountable curb aprons
  • Use pavement markings to highlight bicycle lanes and increase visibility
  • Traffic signal timing updates to improve corridor operations

2: SR 539 / Bakerview Road intersection

Graphic of the existing intersection at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Bakerview Road. The map shows the current lane layout, crosswalks, sidewalks, and right-of-way boundaries marked in red dashed lines labeled ‘WSDOT RW.’ Meridian Street runs north–south, and Bakerview Road runs east–west. A north arrow is shown in the upper right corner, and a green title bar at the top reads ‘Existing – Meridian St (SR 539) and Bakerview Rd Intersection.Graphic of the proposed improvements at the Meridian Street (SR 539) and Bakerview Road intersection. The design shows new mountable curb aprons, added bike lanes on West and East Bakerview Road, and new marked crosswalks with green pavement markings across Bakerview Road. Red-shaded areas indicate proposed mountable curb aprons within the WSDOT right-of-way, outlined with red dashed lines. Meridian Street runs north–south, Bakerview Road runs east–west, and a north arrow appears in the upper right corner beneath a green title bar reading ‘Proposed – Meridian St (SR 539) and Bakerview Rd Intersection.

Figure 6: Comparison of existing and proposed strategies at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Bakerview Road intersection.

Proposed strategies at the Bakerview Road intersection:

  • Add a mountable curb apron to clearly define space for people bicycling
  • Slow vehicle turning speeds for pedestrian crossings with mountable curb aprons
  • Use pavement markings to highlight bicycle lanes and increase visibility
  • Traffic signal timing updates to improve corridor operations

3: SR 539 / Telegraph Road intersection

Graphic of the existing intersection at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Telegraph Road. The map shows the current lane layout, crosswalks, sidewalks, and right-of-way boundaries marked in red dashed lines labeled ‘WSDOT RW.’ Meridian Street runs north–south, and Telegraph Road runs east–west. A north arrow is shown in the upper right corner, and a green title bar at the top reads ‘Existing – Meridian St (SR 539) and Telegraph Rd Intersection.Graphic of the proposed improvements at the Meridian Street (SR 539) and Telegraph Road intersection. The design shows new mountable curb aprons, added bike lanes on West and East Telegraph Road, and new marked crosswalks with green pavement markings across Telegraph Road. Red-shaded areas indicate proposed mountable curb aprons within the WSDOT right-of-way, outlined with red dashed lines. Meridian Street runs north–south, Telegraph Road runs east–west, and a north arrow appears in the upper right corner beneath a green title bar reading ‘Proposed – Meridian St (SR 539) and Telegraph Rd Intersection.

Figure 7: Comparison of existing and proposed strategies at Meridian Street (SR 539) and Telegraph Road intersection.

Proposed strategies at the Telegraph Road intersection:

  • Add a mountable curb apron to clearly define space for people bicycling
  • Slow vehicle turning speeds for pedestrian crossings with mountable curb aprons
  • Use pavement markings to highlight bicycle lanes and increase visibility
  • Traffic signal timing updates to improve corridor operations

4: SR 539 / I-5 interchange

Graphic of the existing intersection at Meridian Street (SR 539) and the I-5 NB Interchange. The map shows the current lane layout, crosswalks, sidewalks, and right-of-way boundaries marked in red dashed lines labeled ‘WSDOT RW.’ Meridian Street runs north–south, and the I-5 NB Interchange runs east–west. A north arrow is shown in the upper right corner, and a green title bar at the top reads ‘Existing – Meridian St (SR 539) and I-5 NB Interchange Intersection.

Figure 8: Comparison of existing and proposed strategies at Meridian Street (SR 539) and northbound I-5 interchange intersection.

Proposed strategies at the I-5 interchange:

  • Reduce weaving movements as northbound vehicles approach Telegraph
  • Install a shared-use path for people walking, biking and rolling
  • Remove the channelized right turn to simplify traffic movements
  • Define space for active transportation users with a mountable curb apron
  • Shorten pedestrian crossings using extended curbs
  • Traffic signal timing updates to improve corridor operations

Long-term vision

Facility options under consideration

During this pre-design phase, we identified constraints in meeting the corridor's Complete Streets objectives. In response, we developed three potential future options in coordination with the city of Bellingham that maximize enhancements to the corridor while maintaining flexibility with the proposed near-term strategies. This approach defines remaining future needs and ensures that initial investments align with these future enhancements.

SR 539 Shared-Use Path – East

Graphic of the proposed long-term vision along Meridian Street (SR 539). The design shows an added shared-use path along the east side of Meridian Street.

Figure 9: Potential long-term strategy on Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor that includes an east shared-use path.

Raised pathway on eastern side.

  • A 5-foot landscaped buffer and a 10-foot shared-use path with 2-foot shoulders on each side
  • Requires extensive right-of-way acquisition
  • Earthwork and retaining wall work required north of Prince Avenue

SR 539 Shared-Use Path – West

Figure 10: Potential long-term strategy on Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor that includes a west shared-use path.

Raised pathway on western side.

  • A 5-foot landscaped buffer and a 10-foot shared-use path with 2-foot shoulders on each side
  • Requires extensive right-of-way acquisition
  • Overlap with Baker/Spring Creek confluence requires significant stream work and earthwork

SR 539 Protected Bicycle Lanes and Sidewalks

Graphic of the proposed long-term vision along Meridian Street (SR 539). The design shows added protected bicycle lanes and sidewalks along both sides of Meridian Street.

Figure 11: Potential long-term strategy on Meridian Street (SR 539) corridor that includes protected bicycle lanes and sidewalks.

Protected bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides.

  • A 5-foot landscaped buffer with protected 6-foot bicycle lanes and 6-foot sidewalks
  • Requires extensive right-of-way acquisition
  • Overlap with Baker/Spring Creek confluence requires significant stream work and earthwork

Next Steps

We will share our preferred design options in early 2026.

Continued work on the long-term vision will be coordinated with the City of Bellingham as part of their long-range transportation planning efforts. You can learn more about their ongoing efforts through the following resources:

Keep in Touch

  • Your feedback is important throughout the project. Fill out the survey below and include your email address or click this link if you would like to join the email distribution list. We will also post updates to the project website and on X. Follow our X account using @WSDOT_North.

Title VI Notice to Public

It is the Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT's Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OECR's Title VI Coordinator at (360) 705-7090.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information

This material can be made available in an alternate format by emailing the Office of Equity and Civil Rights wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov at or by calling toll free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.

  • SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House Survey

    Thank you for participating in this online open house for the I-5 / Guide Meridian Interchange and SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road – Paving & ADA project.

    Your feedback will help the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) better understand community priorities and shape future transportation strategy recommendations for all users, including people walking, biking, rolling, and accessing transit.

    The survey will take about 10-20 minutes to complete.

    Take Survey
    Share SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House Survey on Facebook Share SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House Survey on Twitter Share SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House Survey on Linkedin Email SR 539 / I-5 to Kellogg Road Online Open House Survey link
Page last updated: 10 Nov 2025, 03:42 PM