Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has awarded Granite the contract for the Interstate 5 (I-5) and State Route (SR) 11 Padden Creek - Fish Passage project in Bellingham.
Padden Creek supports the runs of coho and chum salmon and migrating Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Removing two barriers will improve the habitat for migratory species and other wildlife along the 4.3km of Padden Creek between Lake Padden and Bellingham Bay.
The scope of Granite’s work includes the replacement of two existing fish barriers with new fish-passable structures. At the I-5 site, an existing box culvert will be replaced with twin bridge structures and a large precast arch. The existing box culvert at the SR 11 site will be replaced with a a larger one.
“Granite understands the importance of WSDOT’s Fish Barrier Removal Program, and we look forward to partnering with all stakeholders on a solution at Padden Creek,” said Granite regional vice president Mike Stein. “Alternative procurement methods like design-build offer flexibility to the owner to more closely manage budgeting and design while shortening the overall project schedule.”
Construction is expected to conclude in October 2022.
