WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County has announced specific dates for the upcoming closure of the E. Smith and Hannegan intersection.

Public Works says the intersection will be fully closed for construction 24/7 from Monday, July 8, through Wednesday, Aug. 7. The closure is set to end right before the Northwest Washington Fair kicks off on August 8.

The construction is part of the E. Smith and Hannegan Improvement Project, which will bring a new multi-lane roundabout and other fixes to reduce congestion and make it safer for traffic in the area.

Construction has already caused delays over the past month as traffic control manages the narrowed intersection with a reduced speed limit. Public Works says the work will pause from July 4 through July 7 for the holiday weekend ahead of the full closure.

Signed detours will be posted around the closure for east/west and north/south traffic:

-East/west travelers on E. Smith can use the Guide Meridian, Axton Road, and Starry Road.
-Northbound travelers on Hannegan can use Kelly Road, the Guide Meridian, and Axton Road.
-Southbound travelers on Hannegan can use Axton Road, the Guide Meridian, and Bakerview Road.
-Semi-trucks should avoid this area and use state routes like SR-539, SR-542, and SR-544.