SR 544, Nooksack River Overflow Culvert ER Permanent Repair

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is soliciting bids for the SR 544 Nooksack River Overflow Culvert emergency permanent repair in Whatcom County, with bids due and publicly opened December 2, 2026, after 11:00:59 a.m. Pacific Time. The federally funded contract carries an 18% federal small business enterprise (SBE) participation goal.

The work covers relocating buried utilities, removing the 135-foot arch culvert No. 544/9c, constructing a new bridge south of the existing Nooksack River Bridge No. 544/10, partially replacing that bridge's south approach slab, sidewalk, and traffic barrier to install a roadway bypass, and installing new utilities, drainage, and scour countermeasures. Restoration includes landscaping and traffic control. The contract comprises 145 bid items over 300 working days and is classified as Work Class 6, bridges and structures. Bidders must submit WSDOT Form #272-30 (Bidder Questionnaire) and comply with surety registration requirements with the Washington State Insurance Commissioner.

Buy America requirements apply to all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials, with minor foreign material exceptions limited to $2,500 or one-tenth of one percent of total contract cost, whichever is greater. Prevailing wage applies under federal General Decision No. WA20260001 and Washington State rates. The contract requires apprentice utilization of 15% or greater based on project labor hours and includes affirmative action and nondiscrimination requirements under 41 CFR Part 60.

Construction must satisfy permits including a Hydraulic Project Approval, NPDES Section 402 permit, Water Quality Certification, and Section 404 authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Environmental conditions include a 300-foot mixing zone for turbidity standards, a work window of July 15 through September 30 below the Ordinary High Water Line, and a restriction on equipment staging within 200 feet of wetlands or surface waters. Contractors must coordinate with WSDOT projects on SR 546 scheduled for summer 2028 construction.

The opportunity was posted October 20, 2026.