Change is coming to key Bellingham intersection, where left turns to I-5 no longer allowed

Left turns from northbound Meridian Street to the northbound Interstate 5 on-ramp will be prohibited starting next week, Bellingham Public Works Department officials said in a statement Thursday.

It's the first step in a multi-year series of road projects on Meridian Street from I-5 north to Van Wyck Road, Public Works spokeswoman Torhil Ramsay said at the city's website.

"This change addresses long-standing safety concerns and a history of collisions at the intersection. It also improves traffic flow and efficiency," Ramsay said.

Signs banning left turns are scheduled for installation starting Tuesday, according to the statement.

"The start date is weather dependent because we cannot paint stripes in the road or install curbing for the new island in wet conditions. We need to wait for a window of dry weather. We are currently shooting to get this done early next week as long as the current forecast holds," Ramsay told The Bellingham Herald in an email.

More than 24,000 drivers use Meridian Street south of I-5 daily, according to 2023 data from the city of Bellingham. More 37,000 drivers use Meridian Street daily north of the freeway.

Meridian Street is a state highway. Data from the Washington State Department of Transportation show 10 crashes at that location in 2023, including one with serious injuries.

Access to northbound I-5 is possible from Northwest Avenue and from Bakerview Road.

"Some temporary delays are anticipated as drivers adjust to the new configuration. Signs will be in place to direct traffic," Ramsay said.