Monthlong closure for Smith-Hannegan roundabout construction is just around the corner

Whatcom County has set the closing dates for the Smith-Hannegan intersection as part of a roundabout project for one of two main north-south roads to and from Bellingham.

Work on the long-awaited project began in late May, but the intersection stayed open with delays during the day.

But a full 24-hour closure with a detour will be July 8 through Aug. 7, the county Public Works Department said in an emailed statement Friday.

“Signs and barricades will warn travelers that they cannot pass through the work zone. This will be an active construction site; please do not attempt to move or go around the barricades, Public Works said in the statement.

“Area residents should expect a temporary influx of traffic on through streets around the project site,” Public Works said.

The intersection is one of the busier crossings in rural Whatcom County.

Traffic counts from 2019 show Hannegan Road had a daily volume of 13,300 cars and trucks at the Smith Road intersection, and Smith Road had a daily volume of 7,800.