Article Details
Faber Construction is making great strides on the new Woburn Street Operations Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance the efficiency of Bellingham’s Public Works operations. Located at 1410 Old Woburn Street, this cutting-edge headquarters will support essential road maintenance efforts by housing various important vehicles, and a brine solution production system.
Addressing the Need for Modern Infrastructure
The city's current facility is outdated, limiting operational efficiency and making future upgrades challenging. The new Woburn Street Operations Center is designed with a long-term vision, incorporating sustainable solutions such as potential solar power integration and an electric vehicle fleet. This investment will ensure Bellingham’s Public Works Division can continue providing high-quality service while embracing environmentally responsible practices.
Project Timeline & Upcoming Milestones
Despite weather-related delays, the project remains on track for completion by mid-June. Off-site work, including pedestrian infrastructure improvements, is set to begin at the end of March and continue through April. These enhancements will improve public accessibility and safety for the surrounding neighborhoods.
Project Scope & Community Impact
The site has a rich history, serving public works operations for over 100 years, originally as a barn for the city's first road maintenance equipment. The redevelopment includes the construction of three modern metal buildings:
- Two buildings dedicated to housing critical equipment, including dump trucks and trailers.
- A third building for bulk material storage, containing sand, gravel, salt, and brine for road maintenance.
- A portion of the site will also be used by the Parks Department for potting operations and additional support functions.
- Beyond Public Works enhancements, the project includes off-site improvements aimed at increasing pedestrian safety and accessibility, such as:
- New curbs, gutters, and sidewalks along Old Woburn Street.
- A new WTA bus stop to improve public transportation access.
- Safety enhancements like rapid flashing beacons at pedestrian crossings to improve visibility and security for residents.
Traffic Updates & Retaining Wall Progress
As the project progresses, surrounding neighborhoods may experience temporary increases in traffic due to gravel hauling for the retaining wall construction. Currently, the retaining wall is 80% complete, and once finished, traffic levels are expected to return to normal until paving begins in May.
Sustainability Initiatives
Faber Construction is committed to sustainable building practices. As part of the Woburn Street Operations Center project, the team has recycled over 300 cubic yards of material, including concrete and asphalt, to be reused on-site. This initiative not only minimizes waste and environmental impact but also helps reduce traffic congestion by eliminating unnecessary transportation of materials.
Partnering with the City of Bellingham
The success of this project is made possible through the City of Bellingham’s support and vision. Their commitment to infrastructure improvements and sustainability has enabled Faber Construction to execute this project efficiently while creating a lasting positive impact on the community.
Stay Updated
Faber Construction is proud to be leading this transformative project. Stay tuned for more project updates, milestones, and behind-the-scenes progress as we bring the Woburn Street Operations Center to life!
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