Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale May 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 14, 2021

Contact: Chantelle HilsingerPhone: 360-778-6200Email: ferry@co.whatcom.wa.us

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, at the ferry office, located...

Single-Lane Closures of Slater Road April 20 for Bridge Inspection

Routine inspection of the Slater Road bridge over the Nooksack River will cause single-lane road closures from 9am-4pm on Tuesday, April 20. Drivers should expect minor delays of 15 minutes or less. For more information, call 360 778-6260.

Public Works Department Prepares for 2021 Road Shoulder Herbicide Program

The 2021 Whatcom County Road Shoulder Herbicide Program will begin soon. Approximately 250 miles of roads are normally scheduled for seasonal treatment. Lawns and yard areas may have a minimum 12” wide strip treated to aid in drainage and minimize pavemen...

April 14 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of s...

Whatcom County Council Passes Ferry Fare Surcharge Ordinance

On Tuesday, March 23, the Whatcom County Council unanimously passed, with the support of the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee, a $1 surcharge on most ferry trips. The surcharge will begin later in 2021. No start date has been set.

Needs-based senior/d...

Lake Whatcom Annual Meeting March 31 at 6:30 p.m.

The public is invited to learn more about the Lake Whatcom Management Program at an online meeting of the Bellingham City Council, Whatcom County Council, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District Board of Commissioners on March 31. Topics discussed w...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Largely Complete

Crews will put up signage, monitor plantings, and demobilize equipment. Thank you for your patience during this project! Please save the date of Saturday, Aug. 21, for a community celebration with the Birch Bay Chamber - follow the Chamber for details!

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale April 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 15, 2021

Contact: Chantelle HilsingerPhone: 360-778-6200Email: ferry@co.whatcom.wa.us

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, at the ferry office, locate...

Public Works Natural Resources Division 2020 Annual Report

Over two tons of weeds removed, beaches inspected for European Green Crabs, “Scoop the Poop” pledges received, salmon habitat improved and so much more--our Natural Resources Division got a lot done last year. Get all the details in our 2020 Annual Report...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for March 15-19

Drivers can expect minimal single lane closures from 7am-5pm, Monday-Thursday. Crews will install benches, finish pedestrian path work, and other projects. We want to remind everyone to please avoid damaging the plantings. They are expensive to replace.

Birch Bay Drive Update for March 8-12

Crews will work 7am-5pm daily on a variety of tasks. Monday and Tuesday drivers should expect delays with lane closures for paving. Pedestrians, please stay off the new asphalt while it sets! Other work next week should have minimal impacts on traffic.

Utility Relocation Work Starts Mid-March on Marine Drive

Starting in mid-March, users of Marine Drive can expect periodic single-lane closures and road shoulder work as crews relocate utility poles, water meters, buried natural gas and communication lines, etc. for the upcoming roadway widening project.

March 10 Repair Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 3, 2021

Contact: Rich Hudson, Ferry Senior MasterPhone: 360-778-6200Email: Ferry@co.whatcom.wa.us

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, for repairs of the Lummi Island ...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale March 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 1, 2021

Contact: Chantelle HilsingerPhone: 360-778-6200Email: ferry@co.whatcom.wa.us

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, at the ferry office, locate...

Birch Bay Drive Update for March 1-5

Drivers should expect single-lane closures and periodic delays as crews cut asphalt, pave, add plantings, and install limestone trail on the west side of Birch Bay Drive from Cottonwood to Beach Way.

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the Week of Feb. 22

Drivers can expect single-lane closures next week as crews work from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday on stormwater structures, sidewalk installation, and plantings on the berm.

Birch Bay Drive Update for Feb. 15-19

Drivers can expect single-lane closures as contractors install sidewalk, dig swales, and install plantings. Please remember to stay away from both workers and construction areas for your safety!

Birch Bay Drive Update for Feb. 8-12

Drivers can expect infrequent single-lane closures from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. We ask pedestrians to give workers plenty of space, especially around the trail system! Workers will install plantings, install limestone on the trail, and pour sidewalks.

February 24 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 1, 2021

Contact: Rich Hudson, Ferry Senior MasterPhone: 360-778-6200Email: Ferry@co.whatcom.wa.us

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, for inspection and mainten...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale February 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 1, 2021

Contact: Chantelle HilsingerPhone: 360-778-6200Email: ferry@co.whatcom.wa.us

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, at the ferry office, ...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the Week of Feb. 1

Drivers should expect single-lane road closures daily. Contractors will import gravel and place it west of Birch Bay Drive, install plantings, and put in stormwater structures from 7am-5pm. On Thursday, work will include berm shaping from 5pm-3am.

Daytime Road Closure Notice for Lake Whatcom Boulevard Feb. 2-4

The Whatcom County Public Works Department will close Lake Whatcom Boulevard between Lake Louise Rd and Cain Lake/South Bay Rd from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Tuesday, February 2, through Thursday, February 4, for long arm mowing and tree clean up. This closure ...

Public Participation Sought for Jackson Bridge Replacement at Virtual Meeting and Online Survey

Whatcom County Public Works plans to replace the Jackson Road Bridge over Terrell Creek in Birch Bay. The project is in the planning phase, and a size, type, and location analysis is underway. The public is encouraged to provide their input through an onl...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the week of Jan. 25

Drivers can expect single-lane closures as construction continues from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday, installing swales, importing gravel west of the road, and planting. Crews will also work 5pm-3am on Thursday grading the berm north of Harborview Road.

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the Week of Jan. 18

Drivers can expect periodic single-lane closures from 7am - 5 pm as Granite Construction imports gravel west of Birch Bay Drive, places limestone along the pedestrian path, and installs swales. Concrete curb and sidewalk will also be poured.

Birch Bay Berm Performs Well During Jan. 13 Storm

Last night’s storm with high tide and heavy wind was a good test of the structure of the berm. It performed as expected – excellent really. The berm was not damaged in the storm. A small amount of debris came through the berm near the ...

Ferry Increased Weight Limits for Personal Vehicles on Jan. 1

On January 1, 2021, the Ferry Division increased the maximum gross vehicle weight for personal vehicles on the Whatcom Chief from 8,000 lbs to 11,000 lbs. The increased weight limit applies to all $13 single ride round trips, and all multi-ride punch card...

Birch Bay Drive update for the week of Jan. 11

Granite Construction will work from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday placing gravel west of the road, pouring concrete sidewalk, and preparing the limestone path. Drivers should expect periodic single lane closures. Please stay away from construction areas.

Birch Bay Drive update for the week of Jan. 4

The contractor will work from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday. Drivers can expect intermittent single lane closures near the Harborview intersection as workers form sidewalks, plant vegetation, and import gravel. Please stay away from all construction work.

Birch Bay: Keep Your Berm Safe During New Year's Celebrations

As Birch Bay residents prepare for the annual Ring of Fire and Hope and the Polar Bear Plunge, we have a few tips to keep you and the construction site safe:

• The beach area is still an active construction site. Stay away from all construction areas and equ...

Birch Bay Drive Update for Dec. 21-23

Crews will work from 7am-5pm Monday-Wednesday planting in the area north of the Bay Breeze Restaurant. No traffic impacts expected. No night work.

Credit Card Fees Will Apply to Single-Ride Ferry Fares Starting Jan. 1

Starting on Jan. 1, 2021, the Ferry Division will charge a .50 cent credit card fee on all single-ride fare transactions. Multi-ride passes purchased with a credit card already pay a credit card fee. This change adds consistency by also charging a credit ...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sale January 13

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale is from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry terminal. All types of ferry punch cards will be sold, including those for current n...

Annual US Coast Guard Inspection Dec. 16 Could Affect 1pm Ferry Sailing

The US Coast Guard will conduct an annual safety inspection of the Whatcom Chief on Wednesday, Dec. 16. This may delay or cancel the round trip 1:00PM run from Lummi Island. The Public Works Department would like to thank everyone in advance for their coo...

Birch Bay Drive Update for Dec. 14-18

Granite Construction crews will work 7am-5pm Monday-Friday on plantings, excavation, sidewalk grading, and topsoil placement. These activities will have minimal traffic impacts. Crews will also work nights 4pm-2am Monday-Thursday importing gravel and plac...

Birch Bay Drive Update for Dec. 7-11

The week of Dec. 7-11, from 7am–5pm Monday-Friday, sidewalks and plantings will be installed. Our contractor, Granite, will install some stormwater structures and perform grading along the pedestrian path. This work will have minimal impacts on traffic. N...

Correction: Birch Bay Drive Update for Dec. 7-11

A notice was sent out at approx. 9:23am with the title Marie Drive Construction Update for Dec. 7-11. This update was for Birch Bay Drive, not Marine Drive. Please accept our apologies for this error.

Birch Bay Drive project update for the week of Dec. 7-...

Birch Bay Drive update for the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4

Nov. 30-Dec. 4 contractor crews will work both days and nights. Day shift 7am-5pm working on plantings and sidewalks, minimal traffic impacts. Night shift 4pm-2am importing gravel to place on the berm, with single-lane closures during those times.

Marine Drive Improvement Planning Continues

Whatcom County Public Works and its consultant, Pacific Survey and Engineering, Inc., are working towards a 100% design document. This will include technical components of the roadway widening, stormwater and water quality system design, street lighting, ...

Community Invited to Virtual Marine Drive Trail Planning Meeting

The Port of Bellingham, along with the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County, will host a Marine Drive Trail System virtual update from 3:30-4:30 pm on Nov. 30. The virtual meeting will start with a presentation of draft trail concepts. Following the pres...

Public Works Launches New Travel Planning Tool; COVID-19 Could Impact Snow Response

Whatcom County Public Works (WCPW) has launched a new online tool for residents that shows active construction projects and snow routes called the County Travel Planner; it includes an interactive map so travelers can plan their routes. This is especially...

Electrical Issues at Lummi Island Dock Cause Ferry Schedule Delays

Electrical issues at the Lummi Island dock are causing ferry schedule delays. County crews are on-site and assessing the situation. The ferry is still operating, but not able to maintain the posted schedule at this time. Riders should expect delays. Addit...

Next Monthly Ferry Punch Card Sales December 2

The next Whatcom County Ferry Division monthly punch card sale will be from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry terminal. All types of ferry punch cards will be sold, including those for c...

December 9 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

 The Lummi Island Ferry will...

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for the Week of Nov. 16

For the week of Nov. 16, the contractor, Granite Construction, will work 7am-5pm Monday-Friday pouring concrete for sidewalks and stairs, and night work 4pm-6am Monday-Thursday importing gravel. Drivers should expect single-lane closures.

Birch Bay Drive Construction Update for Nov. 9-13

For the week of Nov. 9, every day Granite will work from 7am to 5pm grading the path on the west side of Birch Bay Drive. Monday through Thursday, they will also work from 4pm to 2am delivering and importing gravel to the site.

Birch Bay Drive Construction Includes Both Day and Night Work Nov. 2-6

The week of Nov. 2-6, Granite Construction will work from 4pm-2am Monday-Thursday, and 7am-5pm Thursday-Friday. Crews will install stormwater utilities and continue to import gravel west of the road. Be prepared for single-lane road closures.

Monthly Lummi Island Ferry Punch Card Sales Resume November 4

Whatcom County’s Ferry Division will resume monthly punch card sales with a November sale from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, at the ferry office, located at the island-side ferry terminal. All types of ferry punch cards will be s...

Traffic Reduced to One Lane on Nootka Loop Starting Nov. 2 for Construction

P&P Excavating, LLC will construct stormwater improvements along Birch Point Drive at Nootka Loop (the east entrance to Birch Bay Village). These project improvements include installing a new catch basin with a check valve and additional storm pipe. T...

Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Update for the Week of Oct. 26

The week of Oct. 26-30 Granite will work from 5am-5pm. Dump trucks will bring in and deliver gravel throughout the project area, crews will install manholes and stormwater outfalls near the intersection of Cottonwood Drive and Birch Bay Drive, and work on...

Lummi Island Ferry Expands COVID-19 Sailing Schedule Oct. 26; Punch Card Procedures Also Changing

After running on a reduced COVID-19 schedule since March, the Whatcom Chief will resume a more traditional weekday schedule starting on Monday, Oct. 26, with a regular, pre-COVID schedule for the morning and daytime hours, and a revised schedule from 3pm ...

Birch Bay Drive work shifts to 4pm-2am this week

The week of Oct. 19-23, Granite will work from 4pm to 2am. Drivers should expect single-lane closures. Dump trucks will deliver gravel along the west side of Birch Bay Drive. Please avoid the area to reduce your chances of being delayed by construction.

Leeward Way Daytime Road Closures Start Monday

A portion of Leeward Way will close from 7:00am to 7:00pm on weekdays starting Monday, October 26, through Friday, December 4. The closure will be about 150-feet north of Southgate Road. Crews will install a storm pipe to improve water drainage.

Birch Bay Drive Project Update for Oct. 12-15

Drivers should expect single lane closures as Granite works from 5 am to 5 pm installing stormwater catch basins and storm sewer pipe west of Birch Bay Drive. The contractor will also clear vegetation and place gravel west of Birch Bay Drive. 

• Vis...

October 21 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of...

Axlund Road Closing Oct. 15-16 for Culvert Replacement

The Whatcom County Public Works Department will close Axlund Road between Barnhart Road and H Street Road from 8:30am on Thursday, October 15, through 4:30pm on Friday, October 16, for a culvert installation project. This closure will be in effect 24-hour...

Birch Bay Drive Update for the Week of Oct. 5

Starting the week of Oct. 5, construction work will be from 7 am to 5 pm. Drivers should expect single lane closures Monday through Thursday. Crews with Granite Construction will deliver gravel and place it west of Birch Bay Drive, install a construction ...

Whatcom Chief Scheduled to Return to Service Oct. 3

The Whatcom Chief is scheduled to return to service at 6pm on Saturday, Oct. 3, after three weeks in dry dock. This scheduled return is dependent on upon successful completion of the remaining shipyard repairs and sea trials.

Any vehicles parked in driving...

Birch Bay Drive Project Work Scheduled for the Week of Sept 28

Poor weather conditions postponed gravel paving between Lora Lane and the Bay Breeze Restaurant previously scheduled for Sept. 22-23. The week of Sept. 28 construction work will be from 5am-5pm. Granite will install stormwater catch basins along the weste...

High winds could cause ferry service disruptions Thursday night and Friday

Windy conditions have already delayed or canceled ferry service to Lummi Island this week, and forecasters are predicting that a stronger system will arrive Thursday night and Friday. Travelers should prepare for ferry delays due to weather associated wit...

Birch Bay Work Postponed between Lora Lane and the Bay Breeze Restaurant

Expected rain this week has postponed gravel paving between Lora Lane and the Bay Breeze Restaurant previously scheduled for Sept. 22-23. We had asked the public to stay away during construction, but restrictions are postponed until the work begins.

Axlund Road Work Cancelled Due to Weather

Axlund Road work scheduled for Sept. 23-24 has been canceled. No new date has been set yet for this work. Please direct questions to Whatcom County Public Works, Maintenance and Operations at (360) 778-6400.

Expect Minor Delays on Northwest and Slater as Paving Continues

Whatcom County Public Works is grateful for the patience and support of the driving public as paving continues on Northwest Drive and Slater Road. Over the next few weeks, drivers can expect minor delays on Northwest during paving, and on both roads for t...

Lena Road Closure Sept. 14-15 for Culvert Replacement

The Whatcom County Public Works Department will close Lena Road between Finkbonner Road and Lummi View Drive from 8 am on Monday, September 14, through 4:30 pm on Tuesday, September 15, for a culvert installation project. This closure will be in effect 24...

Northwest Drive Will Reopen Late this Evening; Thanks for Your Patience During Slater Road Paving

We are happy to announce that Northwest Drive will reopen late this evening (9/11/20) - in time for the weekend but not in time for the Friday afternoon commute. Our contractor doesn’t have an exact reopening time. We know the closure of this ro...

Pavement Striping on Slater Road Scheduled for Sept. 17; Drivers Should Expect Delays

Pavement striping operations are scheduled from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Thursday, September 17, on Slater Road from Ferndale city limits to Lake Terrell Road. Drivers should expect long delays during this work. Please use alternate routes whenever possible. Sa...

Final COVID-19 Passenger Only Ferry Use Policy Available Online

Whatcom County Public Works appreciates everyone who took the time to make public comment on our passenger-only ferry and shuttle van COVID-19 policy while it was in draft form. We have made some modifications and published a final policy document on our ...

Pavement Striping on Mosquito Lake Road Sept. 9-10; Drivers Should Expect Delays During Work

Pavement striping operations are scheduled from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Wednesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 10, on Mosquito Lake Road. Drivers should expect long delays during this work. Please use alternate routes whenever possible.

Safety is our h...

Leeward Way Drainage Improvement Construction Starts in October

Henifin Construction, LLC will construct stormwater improvements along Leeward Way to reduce standing water on the roadway during heavy rains. The work is scheduled to start on Monday, Oct. 5, the roadwork will begin at Leeward Way and Southgate Road, and...

Public Comments and Responses to Ferry's COVID-19 Policy Now Available

Whatcom County Public Works created a draft COVID-19 policy for the Lummi Island passenger-only ferry and shuttle van service while the Whatcom Chief is in dry dock. Anonymized comments and agency responses are now available online.  

• View public ...

Pavement Striping on Birch Bay Lynden Road Scheduled for Sept. 3

Pavement striping operations are scheduled from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Thursday, September 3, on Birch Bay Lynden Road from Harborview Road to Lynden City Limits. Drivers should expect long delays during this work. Please use alternate routes whenever possibl...

Slater Road Paving Could Affect Drivers; Northwest Closure Continues

The days surrounding Labor Day (Sept. 7) are traditionally a time when people like to go out of town for end-of-summer vacations. We want to remind everyone that Northwest Drive remains closed with detours in place as part of a culvert replacement and pav...

Ferry Dry Dock Update: Additional Vehicle Parking Map Added

The Lummi Island Ferry dry dock webpage has been updated with a new map showing additional parking locations on the mainland for vehicles to use during dry dock. 

• View the map online 
• Visit our dry dock webpage.  

Lummi Island Pavement Striping Rescheduled for Sept. 1-2

Pavement Striping operations are scheduled from 6:00 am and 6:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, and Wednesday, September 2 on paved Lummi Island roads. This work was rescheduled from August due to mechanical issues, and to avoid conflicts with garbage pickup...

Ferry Dry Dock Shuttle Service and Vehicle Parking Information Available Online

Our Ferry Division is preparing for the annual dry dock maintenance of the Whatcom Chief, scheduled to begin on Sept. 12. We have updated our Dry Dock Webpage with additional information on our island shuttle van service and personal vehicle parking maps ...

Northwest Drive and Slater Road Project Update for Aug. 20; Road Closes Aug. 24

The project to pave portions of Northwest Drive and Slater Road has officially started. This project will also replace a culvert on Northwest that will completely close the road for several weeks starting on Monday, Aug. 24. Here’s an overview o...

Lummi River Levee Repair Complete

Whatcom County Public Works collaborated with Lummi Nation Public Works to repair 325 feet of levee along the Lummi River near its confluence with Lummi Bay. The levee protects portions of the Lummi Reservation, including public roadways, and is a critica...

Pavement Striping on Hannegan Road Rescheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27

Pavement striping operations originally scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20 have been rescheduled due to forecasted rain. The work is now expected to take place from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Thursday, August 27, on Hannegan Road from the Bellingham city limits to L...

Pavement Striping Operations Rescheduled for Aug. 25-26 on Lummi Island Roads

Pavement striping operations are scheduled from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 25-26, on paved Lummi Island roads. This is the final step in the chip seal road work project. This work was originally scheduled Aug. 17-18 but was rescheduled...

One Day Closure of Edgewater Lane's South Entrance Set For Aug. 26

The southerly entrance to Edgewater Lane will close from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm on Wednesday, August 26, for the installation of new storm pipe. The north entrance to Edgewater Lane will remain open.Visit the project website for additional information.

Ferry's Draft COVID-19 Dry Dock Policy Available; Public Comment Open Through Aug. 28

We are creating a COVID-19 policy for the passenger-only ferry and shuttle van service that will provide transportation to and from Lummi Island while the Whatcom Chief is in dry dock.

We are balancing the prevention requirements of operating a ferry durin...

Lummi Island Supplemental Parking Lot Closes for Maintenance Aug. 22

The supplemental Lummi Island ferry parking lot will close for maintenance from Saturday, August 22, through Friday, August 28.

• All vehicles must be removed from this parking lot no later than Friday evening, August 21.
• Vehicles in the parking lot on Saturd...

Restoration Project will Deliver Logs via Helicopter; Public Should Not Approach Operation

BELLINGHAM, WA – Residents in Birch Bay may see a low-flying helicopter carrying logs in the area of Terrell Creek between Kickerville Road and Jackson Road as part of fish habitat improvements to the waterway. The habitat improvements will take...

Northwest Drive and Slater Road Project Update Aug. 10, 2020

Portions of Northwest Drive and Slater Road will be repaved soon as part of a project that will also replace a culvert on Northwest that will completely close the road. We expect the project to officially start Thursday, Aug 20. That’s when our ...

Chip Seal Road Work Scheduled on Lummi Reservation Aug. 10-13

Whatcom County has scheduled the following Lummi Reservation roads, including the Kel Bay area, for chip sealing from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, and continuing through Thursday, August 13.

•    BAYVIEW DRIVE&nb...

Public Works Gravel on Lummi Island to be Used for Additional Projects

Whatcom County Public Works has had a number of people ask about purchasing potential surplus gravel from our island maintenance projects. A large portion of the gravel we brought over to the island was used for chip seal road work. Now that the chip seal...

Northshore Drive / Edgewater Lane Stormwater Improvements Start Aug. 10

Whatcom County will improve the water quality of Lake Whatcom, the drinking water source for many city and county residents, with a project that will include installing a new 8-ft x 12-ft stormwater treatment vault and installing 600 feet of new stormwate...

Public Works Gravel on Lummi Island

We’ve had a number of people on Lummi Island ask about potential surplus gravel from our island maintenance projects, and if that material would be available for purchase. First, we do still have some work left to do on the island that will use ...

Results of Marine Drive Survey

We received 27 responses to our Marine Drive survey. We appreciate everyone who took the time to take the survey and to share it with their friends and neighbors. Your responses will help us as we continue to plan this project. 

• View the results o...

Lummi Island Chip Seal Road Work Update

Chip seal operations on Lummi Island are complete. Islanders will notice that all our signage is still up. The project isn’t officially done quite yet. The paint striping machine will come through soon and re-stripe the roadway markings. Re-stri...

Lummi Island Ferry Tide-Related Weight Restrictions in August

Trucks over 40,000 GVW are prohibited during tides below zero. 

• View the August table of excluded times due to low tides.
• Contact the Whatcom Chief with questions at 360-815-5629.

Lummi Nation Roads Scheduled for Chip Seal Work Aug. 3-6

Whatcom County has scheduled the following roads for chip sealing from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, August 3, and continuing through Thursday, August 6.

• Bay Place  
• Bay Street
• Bay View Drive
• Bayshore Drive 
• Beach Place 
• Harbor Lane&...

Striping on Lake Whatcom Blvd and Lake Louise Road Aug. 5

Pavement striping operations are scheduled Wednesday, August 5, on Lake Whatcom Boulevard and Lake Louise Road. Lake Whatcom Boulevard work will begin at 9am and Lake Louise Road work will start at approximately 11am. 

Only local residents will be...

August 19 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, for inspection and maintenance of the ferry terminal facilities at both Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. 

• The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of ...

August 5 Punch Card Sale at Lummi Island Ferry Office

Punch card sales will be from 5:20 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Lummi Island ferry office. All types of ferry punch cards will be sold, including those for current needs-based customers. Payments may be made by check or credit card. No cash...

Whatcom Chief Scheduled for Dry Dock Maintenance and Repairs Sept. 12-Oct. 3

The Whatcom Chief will be out of service for dry dock repairs and maintenance starting the morning of Saturday, Sept. 12, and is expected to return to service the evening of Saturday, Oct. 3. The return date is tentative and subject to change; additional ...

Chip Seal Road Work Scheduled on Lummi Island and Lummi Nation July 27-30

Whatcom County has scheduled the following roads for chip sealing from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting Monday, July 27, and continuing through Thursday, July 30.

Lummi Island Roads:

• BLIZARD RD
• LANE SPIT DR
• NUGENT RD

Lummi Nation and Other County Roads:

• BOYNTON ...

Road Striping on Smith, Northwest and Axton Scheduled for July 28; Drivers Should Expect Long Delays

Pavement striping operations are scheduled from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday, July 28, on the following roads; 

• E. Smith Rd between Hannegan Rd & Guide Meridian

• W. Smith Rd between Guide Meridian & Ferndale City Limits

&a...

Lummi Island Ferry Crew Rescue Distressed Kayakers

Keen observation and quick action by the captain and crew of the Whatcom Chief saved two kayakers on Thursday, July 16. During a routine trip between Lummi Island and the mainland, Whatcom Chief Captain Gary Poole noticed a kayak in the distance that was ...

Pavement Striping on Smith, Silver Lake, and S. Pass Roads July 20-23

Pavement Striping operations are scheduled from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday, July 21, on Smith Road, from Hannegan to Northwest Drive. Drivers should expect long delays during this work. Please use alternate routes whenever possible.

Striping is also schedu...

Roads Scheduled for Chip Seal Work July 20-23 on Lummi Island and Peninsula

Whatcom County has scheduled the following roads for chip sealing beginning Monday, July 20 and continuing through Thursday, July 23 from 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Lummi Island Roads:

• Blizard Rd• Cedar Pl• Centerview Rd• ...

Heavy Truck Traffic on Lummi Ferry July 16

Ferry passengers should expect long wait times for the Lummi Island Ferry from 8am-5pm on Thursday, July 16, due to heavy truck traffic.

Additional Lummi Island Roads Scheduled for Chip Seal Work Starting July 13

Whatcom County has scheduled additional roads for chip sealing on Lummi Island. Work on the following roads will begin on Monday, July 13, and continue through Thursday, July 16, from 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

• Antoinette Lane
• Blizard Road
• Centerview Road
• Consti...

Pavement Striping on Everson-Goshen Road Set for July 15; Drivers Should Expect Long Delays

Pavement striping operations are scheduled from 6am to 6pm Wednesday, July 15 on Everson-Goshen Road from SR 542 (Mt. Baker Hwy) to E. Pole Road. Drivers should expect long delays during this work. Please use alternate routes whenever possible. 

S...

Marine Drive Reconstruction Project Update for July 1, 2020

Whatcom County Public Works has been working with our hired design consultant, Pacific Survey and Engineering, Inc., toward developing the project to the 60% design level, which includes:  

• Roadway widening. 
• Stormwater and water quality s...

Registration Open for Drought Planning and Preparedness Speaker Series

Community members are invited to join a virtual forum organized by the Whatcom Watershed Information Network and the Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) to learn about drought vulnerability and preparedness in Whatcom County, and drought contingency ...

July Weight Restrictions on the Lummi Island Ferry

We impose vehicle weight restrictions on the Lummi Island Ferry during tides lower than zero to prevent damage to our docks. Any vehicle over 40,000 GVW is prohibited on the ferry during these low tides. Read our July weight restrictions letter with speci...

Lummi Island Chip Seal Road Work Notification

Whatcom County has scheduled chip sealing on Lummi Island beginning Tuesday, July 7 and continuing through Thursday, July 9 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. This project includes all paved county roads and will begin in the Hales Pass...

Lummi Island Chip Seal Road Work Notification

Whatcom County has scheduled chip sealing on Lummi Island beginning Tuesday, July 7 and continuing through Thursday, July 9 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. This project includes all paved county roads and will begin in the Hales Pass...

Lummi Island Road Maintenance Starts in July

Every paved county road on Lummi Island is planned for chip seal road maintenance starting around July 6. The exact start date may change due to weather and other factors. We will keep you updated through this communication tool as more information become...

Pavement Striping Everson Goshen Road Set for June 24; Drivers Should Expect Delays During Work

Pavement Striping operations are scheduled from 6am-6pm on Wednesday, June 24, for Everson Goshen Road. The affected portion of Everson Goshen Road is from Mt. Baker Hwy to E. Pole Road. Please use alternate routes when possible and plan for long delays w...

Roads Scheduled for Phase One Chip Sealing June 22-25

Each year Whatcom County Public Works selects roadways for preventative maintenance known as bituminous surface treatment, commonly known as chip sealing. Lummi Nation roadways are scheduled first, starting on June 22.

The following roads are scheduled for...

Public Invited to Help Collect Valuable Species Data Using Smartphone App

Community members are invited to become science volunteers as part of the newest project by the North Sound Stewards Program, organized by the Whatcom Marine Resources Committee (MRC) and RE Sources. The program will utilize iNaturalist, a free app and we...

Drivers Should Expect Delays during Roadway Chip Sealing Starting June 22

Each year Whatcom County Public Works selects roadways for preventative maintenance known as bituminous surface treatment, or commonly known as chip sealing. Most areas are selected on a rotating 10-12 year cycle.  Roadways in three areas of What...

Drivers Should Expect Delays during Roadway Chip Sealing Starting June 22

Each year Whatcom County Public Works selects roadways for preventative maintenance known as bituminous surface treatment, or commonly known as chip sealing. Most areas are selected on a rotating 10-12 year cycle.  Roadways in three areas of What...

Ferry Pass Purchases Take Longer During COVID-19 Restrictions

We care about the safety and health of our passengers and crew. We’ve put together a few reminders for our ferry travelers related to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Online Ticket Sales:

• Please do not wait until the last minute to purchase a punc...

Northwest Drive and Slater Road Repaving Project Newsletter June 2, 2020

Northwest Drive and Slater Road RepavingCounty Road Project Numbers 919003 & 919022

Whatcom County Public Works plans to repave portions of Northwest Drive and Slater Road from July through September 2020. The affected portion of Northwest Drive is fro...

June 3 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

June 3 Service Outage Planned for Lummi Island Ferry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 15, 2020 Contact: Rich Hudson, Senior Ferry MasterPhone: 360-778-6200Email: Ferry@co.whatcom.wa.us The Whatcom Chief will be out of service from 10:10 a.m. &...

Lummi Island Ferry Service Outage Planned for May 21

The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service for a dry dock shipyard pre-bid meeting onboard the vessel. This outage will occur on Thursday, May 21, from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m. There will be no ferry service during this time.

• The last morni...

Fares Resume May 18 for Lummi Island Ferry with Collection/Punch Card Changes

Beginning Monday, May 18, fare collection will resume onboard the Whatcom Chief. In an effort to maintain social distancing and keep both customers and employees safe, Lummi Island Ferry staff will no longer accept cash. In addition, ferry crew will no lo...

Single Day Closure of Drayton Harbor Road to Occur on Monday, May 4, for Long-Arm Mowing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 30, 2020Media Contact: Marie Duckworth, Communications SpecialistPhone: 360-603-1103E-mail address: mduckwor@co.whatcom.wa.us

Single Day closure of Drayton Harbor Road to Occur on Monday, May 4, for Long-Arm Mowing

Drayto...

03/26/20 Lummi Island COVID19 Ferry Sailing Schedule

03/26/20 FERRY Modified Schedule Effective during the COVID19 Pandemic

03/26/20 Lummi Island COVID19 Ferry Sailing Schedule

03/26/20 FERRY Modified Schedule Effective during the COVID19 Pandemic

Lummi Island Ferry COVID19 Sailing Schedule Changes effective as of 3/26/20

Following Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25 imposing a Stay-at-Home Order and in an effort to minimize risk and maximum response to COVID19, we are implementing a special modified sailing schedule.

Lummi Island Ferry COVID19 Sailing Schedule Changes effective as of 3/26/20

Following Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25 imposing a Stay-at-Home Order and in an effort to minimize risk and maximum response to COVID19, we are implementing a special modified sailing schedule.

Lummi Island Ferry Fare Collection Update as of 3/26/20

Following Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25 imposing a Shelter-in-Place Order and in an effort to minimize risk and maximum response to COVID19, we are implementing the following changes to the Lummi Island Ferry’s operations.

Lummi Island Ferry Fare Collection Update as of 3/26/20

Following Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-25 imposing a Shelter-in-Place Order and in an effort to minimize risk and maximum response to COVID19, we are implementing the following changes to the Lummi Island Ferry’s operations.