Construction Underway on Beachway Drive Capital Project

Construction started August 18 on a Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM) funded capital improvement project in the Cottonwood Beach area of Birch Bay. The Beachway Drive and Fern/Park Stormwater Improvement Project will include upgrading drainage systems along Birch Bay Drive, replacing two stormwater outlets to the beach, and installing a new system to convey upland stormwater to Birch Bay. This project will improve flow capacity to address flooding and drainage problems and improve water quality. Estimated construction costs are $520,000. Work will be concentrated along Birch Bay and Beachway Drives with additional work on Fern Street and Park Lane. A derelict concrete boat ramp at the Cottonwood Beach South public parking area will be removed to mitigate shoreline impacts.

Len Honcoop Gravel of Lynden is the contractor for this project. Working hours are generally Monday through Thursday beginning at 7 AM, and work will continue into the fall. A portion of the North Cottonwood Beach parking area will be used temporarily during construction. Motorists should expect minor delays. Intermittent single lane flagged traffic will be in effect, but local access to properties will be accommodated.

For additional information visit the Beachway project page. Contact Kraig Olason at Whatcom County Public Works Stormwater, (360) 715-7450 x50782 or kolason@co.whatcom.wa.us with questions.