This project provides the main entry to the manufacturing district in Blaine from State Route 543, being the first intersection after the Interstate 5 exit off the truck route in route to the Pacific Highway border crossing. It is also the I-5 exit, Exit 275, that serves access to the Blaine School District campus, International Market Place, Post Office, the Industrial Area (16 companies), the primary truck stop/fueling station/scales, and the Blaine Public Works Department Maintenance facility. Turning movements and queuing conflicts are a major issue at the Yew Avenue intersection and because of the proximity of the adjacent intersection, traffic back ups and unsafe driving habits are common. With new development taking place now on industrially-zoned properties where the former Blaine Airport resided, the need for this project is even more pressing. In addition, pedestrian facilities on the route have gaps and bicycle travel through this area is very complicated and hazardous.
Projects — TIB Project Information
TIB Project Information
City of Blaine's Boblett Street
8-2-837(004)-1
8-2-837(004)-1
Boblett Street
Yew Ave to Ludwick Ave
FY 2022 Urban Arterial Program
Current Phase : Construction
Total TIB Funding : $1,161,862
County: Whatcom | Legislative District: 42 | Project Length: 0.28 | TIB Engineer: Chris Langhoff | Last Payment Date:
Project Information
| Lead Agency | BLAINE |
| Funding Year | 2022 |
| Program | UAP |
| Current Phase | Construction |
| Legislative District | 42 |
| Congressional District | 1 |
| Federal Route Number | 5635 |
| Project Length | 0.28 mi. |
| ADT | 1,200 |
| Functional Class | Collector |
| Type of Work | Major Widening |
| Project Contact | Bernie Ziemianek |
| Contact Email | bziemianek@cityofblaine.com |
| TIB Engineer | Chris Langhoff |
| Last Payment Date | |
| Cultural Resource Assessment | Section 106 |
Project Schedule
| Target Date | Actual Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Project Selection Date | 11/20/2020 | |
| Delayed Project Date | 07/01/2025 | |
| DAHP Assessment Date | 05/20/2024 | |
| Predesign Approval | ||
| Design Approval | 03/01/2021 | 02/24/2021 |
| Bid Auth. Approval | 04/30/2024 | 05/20/2024 |
| Construction Approval | 07/15/2024 | 08/01/2024 |
| Project Closeout | 12/31/2024 | |
| Audit Date | ||
| Withdrawn Date |
Project Funding
| TIB Funds | Project Costs | |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Study | 0 | 0 |
| Design Study | 0 | 0 |
| Total Predesign | 0 | 0 |
| Special Study | 0 | 0 |
| Design | 0 | 0 |
| Right of Way | 50,000 | 0 |
| Total Design | 50,000 | 0 |
| Construction Engineering | 100,000 | 577,110 |
| Construction Contract | 1,011,862 | 3,037,534 |
| Other Construction | 0 | 0 |
| Total Construction | 1,111,862 | 3,614,644 |
| Total TIB Funding | 1,161,862 | 3,614,644 |
Local Funding Partners
| Funding Amount | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| BLAINE | 1,125,727 | 31.1% |
| WSDOT Funding | 0 | 0.0% |
| Federal Funding | 1,327,055 | 41.6% |
| Total Local Funding | 2,452,782 | 72.7% |
Project Description
The best solution to the queuing problem is access management, accomplished by changing the channelization to restrict turn movements and provide alternative modes for those movements. Accordingly, the project includes a left turn restriction, accomplished by a pork-chop island at Yew Avenue that will only allow for right-in and right-out turning movements. A roundabout will be constructed at the Boblett Court intersection, allowing traffic from Yew Avenue to turn around and que safely at SR543. In addition, access will be further restricted by narrowing and/or combining existing driveways. The current skew at the Yew Avenue intersection will be corrected, and the center median will be extended. The multipurpose 10-foot sidewalk West of SR543, constructed with TIB funds in 2016, will be extended on the north side, to the roundabout. These improvements will tie to the athletic trail system on Boblett Court to Pipeline, which is being constructed in 2020. In addition, bike lanes and sidewalk will be included as part of the project. A protected crosswalk will be included east of Yew Avenue that will provide a safe location for those crossing the truck route to access the businesses on both sides of the road. These improvements also complete a section of missing sidewalk and the corridor that connects the city center, international mall, manufacturing district and park/trail system.
Existing Condition
Project Benefits
- Improves pedestrian safety;
- Improves mobility;
- Increases access control
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Project Delays
| Delay Type | Resolution Date | Comments |
|---|---|---|
No delayed project history. |
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