Two I-5 fish passage projects begin this weekend expect delays

Delays are imminent for travelers on southbound I-5 near Bellingham as construction starts this weekend to replace a fish culvert at Lake Creek. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will close lanes and ramps beginning at 8 p. m. on Sunday, June 29. A two-lane bypass in the median will be operational from 5 a.

m. Monday, allowing for the removal of the existing culvert. Crews will install a larger culvert designed to facilitate fish passage, addressing a critical environmental concern. This work is part of a comprehensive three-year project aimed at removing 17 fish passage barriers along a six-mile stretch of I-5 in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Traffic is expected to return to normal in July, following the completion of the southbound culvert, after which work will commence on the northbound culvert.

The project underscores the importance of balancing transportation needs with ecological preservation. Improved fish passage will benefit local wildlife and contribute to healthier river ecosystems.