Drivers in Lynden should brace for some traffic disruptions starting on Monday, July 15, as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) kicks off fish passage modifications along State Route 546, near Northwood Road. According to WSDOT, construction activities will commence at 8 a.m. and are aimed at enhancing local aquatic life.
The works will entail single lane closures for the duration of the project, this will be followed by a complete shutdown of SR 546 starting from 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 until 5 a.m on Friday, July 26. Commuters should plan their routes accordingly, as single lane closures will persist through the end of July. These modifications to the Kamm Ditch fish passage involve adjustments to the wing walls and are set to greatly impact the habitat for fish species such as trout and salmon.
The project is part of a broader effort to improve fish migration and habitat in Washington's creeks and streams. WSDOT has scheduled the construction work to wrap up before the Northwest Washington Fair, thereby minimizing the impact on the significant local event. Travelers are advised to keep an eye on road signs and allow extra travel time to navigate the disruptions.
The construction aims to add an estimated 3,094 feet of navigable habitat for native fish, enabling them to move more freely within the creek. As local ecosystems thrive, the long-term benefits of such infrastructure improvements are clear, despite the temporary inconvenience to motorists and local travelers. By the end of July, when construction is expected to conclude, the modifications should offer a better environment for the region’s aquatic life.
