Bellingham to Upgrade Harris Avenue Utilities by 2030

The city seeks public input on new bike lane designs for a major infrastructure project starting in 2030.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Utilities

Isometric editorial illustration showing a cross-section of urban underground utility pipes and street-level curb infrastructure. — Bellingham officials are seeking public feedback on utility replacement and bike lane designs for a major Harris Avenue infrastructure project starting in 2030. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your city prioritize protected bike lanes over shared-use paths in road infrastructure projects?

Bellingham plans to replace aging water and sewer infrastructure along Harris Avenue in a project set to begin in 2030. Officials are currently soliciting public feedback on two distinct design options for adding bike lanes and improved pedestrian paths.

Why it matters

Coordinating surface-level improvements with underground pipe replacements allows the city to minimize construction disruptions and achieve overall cost savings. Residents have a limited window to influence the final design before the project advances toward its start date.

The city is evaluating a $1.5 million cost difference between proposed bike lane configurations. Officials are weighing Option A, featuring protected lanes on both sides, against a more affordable Option B centered on a single shared-use path.

The players

City of Bellingham

The local municipal government is responsible for managing public utility maintenance and infrastructure development across the city.

The details

Crews will perform extensive work from 10th to 24th Street to replace subsurface utilities that currently serve the area. The current infrastructure lacks comprehensive bike lanes and consistent sidewalks, prompting the city to seek a solution that integrates modernized surface features with the necessary underground pipe work.

Public comments on the design options are accepted until November 15, 2026.
The planned utility and road construction is scheduled to start in 2030.

Market Landscape

The project follows a pattern set by the Complete Streets policy framework by prioritizing multi-modal access alongside essential utility maintenance. This integrated approach reflects a broader trend of cities combining necessary subsurface utility overhauls with modern transportation planning.

Residents and business owners in the area should expect significant construction activity on Harris Avenue starting in 2030. Participation in the feedback process by late 2026 allows the public to shape whether the final road design features protected bike lanes or a shared-use path.

The takeaway

Engaging with city planning efforts now ensures that long-term infrastructure changes align with community preferences for transportation access. Residents should review the two design options to understand how each proposal impacts local traffic and connectivity for the next decade.