Detour set as part of South Bay Trail closes for construction in Bellingham
A part of the South Bay Trail closed Monday, possibly for two years or more, as construction starts on an apartment complex with commerical space in downtown Fairhaven.
The South Bay Trail goes through the developer’s land, requiring closure of the trail at Douglas Avenue and at Mill Avenue. A detour sends cyclists and pediestrians around the project using Douglas Avenue, 11th Street and Mill Avenue.
When the trail opens, its route will change but will be near its current location, the city said at the project website.
Construction is at the dirt lot known locally as “the Pit,” where free parking has been available for more than two decades.
Public parking will end during construction, and the developers might also be using parking spaces on 11th Street and on Mill Avenue.
When the Farihaven Center opens, it will have 80 parking spaces, the city said.
According to the project timeline, construction is planned in three phases through 2030. The new trail connection is planned as part of the first phase.
This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 12:39 PM.
