Border traffic into Whatcom County continues to increase, according to the latest data.

Nearly 3 million people traveled southbound through the five Whatcom County border crossings in August and September, a 7.4 percent increase compared to last year, according to data collected by Western Washington University's Center for Economics and Business Research.

In August alone, nearly 1.7 million people traveled southbound through the border crossings, the highest monthly total since August 2001.

This year's numbers are on track to surpass the 2011 total of 14.2 million, which was the highest annual total since 2000.

Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269.