Three-week James Street closure needed for new Bellingham sidewalk, bike access
James Street will close north of Bakerview Road for about three weeks starting Monday, as part of a $5.3 million project to give bicyclists and people on foot easier access from the growing King Mountain neighborhood to nearby parks and shopping.
Construction started in April on a 12-foot-wide path for cyclists and pedestrians on the west side of James Street from Telegraph Road to King Avenue, and sidewalks and bike lanes from King Avenue to Gooding Avenue.
Included in the project are new trees, stormwater pipes and treatment facilities, street lighting, fiber communication connections and new pavement, Public Works Department Director Joel Pfundt said in a December 2025 memo that discussed the project.
Next week’s closure is necessary while crews build the retaining wall for a shared-use trail. After that part is done, the road will reopen to at least one lane for the remainder of the James Street project, which could last until November, the city said.
“Flaggers will be stationed at both ends of the closure during business hours to direct drivers to the detour, assist people walking, and help residents access their homes,” the city said in a statement.
Funding comes from several sources, including a $950,000 state grant, Public Works spokesman Connor Harron told The Bellingham Herald.
About 5,000 cars and trucks use James Street north of Bakerview Road every day, according to a 2023 city report.
King Mountain was annexed into the city in 2009, and the city is in the process of bringing what were once rural streets along a forested hillside in line with modern urban standards, according to previous Herald reporting.
As many as 3,000 new homes could be built in the area — including duplexes, apartments and town houses.
Additional bike and pedestrian access is planned along James Street from Telegraph Road south to the Birchwood Avenue/Orchard Drive intersection.
