(LYNDEN) - Construction work on the Guide Meridian (SR 539) is about to expand from five miles to 10, spanning nearly the entire length of the highway from Bellingham to Lynden.

Max J. Kuney Company of Spokane was hired by WSDOT for $53.9 million to widen the highway from two lanes to four from Ten Mile Road to Lynden. Kuney's bid for the project was $1.2 million less than the estimated cost for construction.

Crews will build roundabouts at Ten Mile, Wiser Lake, River and Pole roads to improve safety and relieve congestion.

The highway will also be divided with cable median barrier, and new bridges will span Wiser Lake and the Nooksack River.

Utility companies are moving water and power lines right now, and road construction should start in April.

Drivers can expect minimal delays and closures during the day. There will be occasional delays and lane closures at night. On average more than 16,000 drivers use the Guide Meridian every day.

Crews are already widening the highway from Horton Road to Ten Mile Road. That work started in 2007 and should finish this fall.

The total cost for the Ten Mile to Lynden project is $101.6 million, which includes all the costs for design and right of way. Construction is planned to finish fall 2009.

For more details about roundabouts and their safety benefits, and information about the project, visit the project Web page, www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR539/TenMileBorder/.

From Whatcom County News Release