Harris Avenue Utility and Multimodal Safety Improvements

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Existing conditions on Harris Avenue looking towards Bellingham Bay

Help guide the future of Harris Avenue

The City is planning improvements on Harris Avenue between 14th and 24th Street and we'd like your input. We’re evaluating between two options: protected bike lanes on both sides (Option A) or a shared‑use path on the south side (Option B). Early analysis shows that Option B will reduce costs and construction impacts while providing similar levels of safety and comfort. Before making a final selection, we’re checking in to understand which option you prefer and what we should prioritize in the design. Please share your feedback by November 15 using the Survey

Help guide the future of Harris Avenue

The City is planning improvements on Harris Avenue between 14th and 24th Street and we'd like your input. We’re evaluating between two options: protected bike lanes on both sides (Option A) or a shared‑use path on the south side (Option B). Early analysis shows that Option B will reduce costs and construction impacts while providing similar levels of safety and comfort. Before making a final selection, we’re checking in to understand which option you prefer and what we should prioritize in the design. Please share your feedback by November 15 using the Survey and Questions tools below. Full project details are available on the Harris Avenue Multimodal Improvements project webpage.

Why this project is happening and how your input matters

The City needs to replace aging water and sewer pipes under Harris Avenue. Once the pipes are replaced, we will have to restore the roadway. During this process, we have an opportunity to improve safety and mobility for everyone who uses the street by implementing high priority projects identified in the 2024 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plans. Combining safety improvements with needed utility upgrades helps reduce overall costs and minimize environmental impacts.

The project team developed and evaluated several possible designs, which we’ve narrowed down to two finalists. Our initial review shows that Option B (shared-use path) will significantly lower costs and reduce construction impacts compared to Option A (separated bike lanes) while offering similar improvements to safety. Since Option B differs from the original recommendation for this corridor in the Bicycle Master Plan, we want your input on which option you believe will best meet the needs of our community.

As we evaluate these options, we are balancing key priorities such as project cost, impacts to nearby properties, safety improvements, on‑street parking, placemaking opportunities, and consistency with City plans. Your input is a critical part of this process. By filling out the Survey and Question tools below you can help shape the final design for this important piece of our transportation network.

  • Option A: Separated Bike Lanes on Both Sides

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    • Adds protected bike lanes from 14th to 24th Street
    • Sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of the street
    • A buffer separates people biking from vehicle traffic
    • Matches the Bicycle Master Plan recommendation for this corridor
    • Provides more on-street parking than Option B
    • Requires a full rebuild of the roadway, creating larger impacts to properties on the north side
    • Costs about 30% more than Option B

    • Adds protected bike lanes from 14th to 24th Street
    • Sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of the street
    • A buffer separates people biking from vehicle traffic
    • Matches the Bicycle Master Plan recommendation for this corridor
    • Provides more on-street parking than Option B
    • Requires a full rebuild of the roadway, creating larger impacts to properties on the north side
    • Costs about 30% more than Option B

  • Option B: Shared Use Path on South Side

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    • Builds a 14‑foot‑wide shared path for walking and biking on the south side
    • Adds a sidewalk along the north side, so pedestrians have options on both sides
    • Includes a buffer between traffic and people walking and biking on the shared path
    • Differs from the Bicycle Master Plan design but still offers similar safety and comfort
    • Does not require full roadway reconstruction, reducing construction time and impacts
    • Provides fewer on‑street parking spaces than Option A
    • Minimizes property impacts and saves about $1.5 million compared to Option A

    • Builds a 14‑foot‑wide shared path for walking and biking on the south side
    • Adds a sidewalk along the north side, so pedestrians have options on both sides
    • Includes a buffer between traffic and people walking and biking on the shared path
    • Differs from the Bicycle Master Plan design but still offers similar safety and comfort
    • Does not require full roadway reconstruction, reducing construction time and impacts
    • Provides fewer on‑street parking spaces than Option A
    • Minimizes property impacts and saves about $1.5 million compared to Option A
Page last updated: 13 Oct 2026, 08:17 PM