BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Driving on the north side of Bellingham may become more hectic in the coming days.

Bellingham Public Works recently announced plans to address safety issues at the intersection of Meridian and I-5.

They plan to do this by closing the left turn lane that feeds the northbound on-ramp to I-5 beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Safety concerns and collisions at that intersection have prompted the city to remove the turn lane.

Drivers in the area will have to access the northbound on-ramps through Bakerview Rd or Northwest Ave. Delays are expected as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern.

In addition, crews will begin work on a multi-year sewer project under Meridian between Orchard Drive and Van Wyck Road.

Public Works says they need to replace the aging sewer system to allow for more capacity for future growth and to minimize risk of overflow.

Most of this work will occur at night between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., but some daytime work is expected to cause some delays.

The sewer project is planned to take two years with construction beginning south of Orchard and plans to move northward.

Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes in light of the changes.