FERNDALE - Main Street will close to through traffic all next month between Douglas and Church roads.

The closure is longer than planned to improve the chances the project will finish on schedule, city officials said. The work, which began June 18, has been slowed by rain and traffic control.

During the closure, planned for Monday, July 30, to Aug. 31, crews will install a large culvert under Main Street for Schell Creek, to improve fish passage.

Main Street traffic will be detoured onto Douglas and Olson roads. A detour map is posted on the city's website, cityofferndale.org.

Local traffic will be allowed on that stretch of Main Street, which fronts several apartment buildings, and some houses and professional offices.

The road must reopen before Labor Day, Radder said. The full project, which includes a left-turn lane, bicycle lanes and sidewalks, could be completed by mid-October.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 360-715-2266.