Blaine sewer construction has started, ongoing through summer

Blaine public works (BPW) has begun sewer construction near the Blaine school campus and senior center that will go on through the summer.

The project, called the G Street Sewer Improvements, will upgrade dilapidated sewer lines and increase the system’s capacity in anticipation of population growth, according to BPW. The project started on May 1 and is anticipated to be worked on in sections through mid-August.

“It’s going to be a win-win with everyone,” acting BPW director Gary McSpadden said. “It’s getting rid of some of the oldest pipe in town, decreasing stormwater intrusion and having better flows in the city.”

The streets and their expected construction dates are:

• May 1-5: G Street, from 5th Street to 6th Street

• May 1 to June 19: The alley between G Street and F Street, from the street end to 5th Street, and 5th Street, from the alley to G Street

• May 8-18: G Street, from 6th Street to 8th Street

• May 22-24: G Street, from 8th Street to 9th Street

• May 25 to June 7: 8th Street, from G Street to the alley between E and D streets

• June 8-14: G Street behind Burger King, from the street end to 14th Street

• June 15-26: A section of 11th Street and neighboring properties, between F and H streets

• June 27 to July 11: 6th Street and property adjacent to 6th Street, from G to H streets

• July 12-25: H Street, from 6th Street to Elm Avenue; Elm Avenue and an alley south of Elm Avenue

•July 26 to August 17: Mitchell Avenue, from Blaine Elementary School, going through part of the Blaine Primary School campus, and ending south of the primary school on Boblett Street

The construction timelines are subject to change. BPW asks that people try to avoid construction areas, practice patience, follow traffic signs and flaggers’ directions.

The sewer construction is one of the city’s largest undertakings in recent years. Sewage overflowing into the streets near the Blaine school district campus in summer 2020 was the impetus for the city to start tackling its needed sewer update, which had been recommended since 2004.

The project, which had an anticipated $6-7 million budget, came under budget with a $4.25 million construction contract, taxes included, with Bellingham-based Strider Construction Co.

McSpadden said public works will continue public outreach as construction progresses and anyone with concerns may contact him.