Water line repairs: Road closures expand in western Whatcom County
New restrictions take effect on Imhoff Road, while other routes face lane reductions and gravel surfaces as crews replace a failing pipeline.
By Chinedu Schneider ·
Public Utility District No. 1 of Whatcom County has begun replacing a 24-inch industrial water transmission line along Douglas Road. The project forces several road closures and traffic controls in the area west of Ferndale. These restrictions are in place to allow crews to work on the pipeline safely.
The need for repairs became urgent in mid-2026. Field investigations found advanced joint failure and leakage in the original reinforced concrete cylinder pipeline. Engineers determined the mid-1960s infrastructure could not be repaired without risking an uncontrolled rupture. The line supplies water to industrial users and fire-suppression systems in western Whatcom County.
On August 15, 2026, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu issued an emergency proclamation. This action allowed the utility to move forward quickly. The PUD Commission approved Resolution No. 904 to waive competitive bidding. The district will replace approximately 5.6 miles of the old line with high-density polyethylene pipe.
Traffic restrictions are currently active on several local roads. Lampman Road is closed to through traffic east of Haxton Way. A second closure exists near Olson Road at the west end. Local access remains open. Unick Road has active traffic management. West of Lake Terrell Road, vehicles use a single lane controlled by flaggers during work hours. Temporary traffic signals take over after hours. Between Lake Terrell Road and Olson Road, the road is open, but the westbound lane east of Barr Road has a gravel surface.
Ulrich Road is closed to through traffic between S. Church Road and Imhoff Road. This closure will last for multiple weeks. Property owners in the area retain access. S. Church Road remains closed south of Ulrich Road.
New restrictions begin on Imhoff Road. The road is closed from Ulrich Road to Douglas Road starting Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The closure is expected to last about one month. Drivers should follow the posted detour via Ulrich Road, S Church Road, and Douglas Road. Other alternate routes are available for those avoiding the construction zone.
Whatcom County Public Works continues to coordinate with the PUD. The agencies share project updates as the replacement work progresses.
