BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A major facelift is getting underway for downtown Blaine.

The city began construction on Peace Portal Drive between Martin and H Street last week for its long-awaited Downtown Revitalization project.

The first phase of the project includes sidewalk repairs, new street trees, improvements to the Martin Street parklet and other general aesthetic upgrades to the area. The city may eventually install a gateway arch welcoming visitors to the downtown corridor.

Though Peace Portal is closed to traffic between Clark and H Street, downtown businesses in the area remain open.

The Northern Light reported in May that the Blaine City Council voted to cut $500,000 from the $3.8 million project due to a drop in revenue from fewer Canadian visitors. My Bellingham Now previously reported on the tariff’s effect on local businesses.

Construction is expected to continue through mid-September.