Bellingham drivers could see speed limit changes in the near future

The Bellingham city council's Public Works and Natural Resources Committee is reviewing proposals to lower speed limits across various city roads. A presentation from Transpo Group identified high collision areas, leading to recommendations for reduced speed limits. The downtown core would adopt a 20 mph limit, while residential streets may also default to 20 mph, with some designated as “shared streets. ” The committee expressed general support for these changes, which could be phased in starting as early as 2026. Assistant Public Works Director Tim Hohmann detailed how speed limits would transition from higher to lower as vehicles approach the city, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

For example, speeds would decrease from 55 mph on Mount Baker Highway to 25 mph near the west side of I-5. These adjustments aim to mitigate conflicts with vulnerable users and improve overall safety. The proposed changes reflect a growing emphasis on road safety and community well-being in Bellingham.