Following a one-week full closure, the Electric Avenue bridge over Whatcom Creek is now open to one lane of traffic, controlled by temporary traffic signals and a 24-ton weigh limit. This temporary solution is necessary due to critical structural issues identified in a recent inspection. Engineers are currently working on a long-term solution and it might be some time before you see active construction on the bridge. Pedestrian access remains open on the east side sidewalk and bicycles should share the traffic lane and obey traffic signals and all traffic laws. Planning and funding efforts are underway for a full bridge reconstruction project. We will keep the community updated on the progress through the Electric Avenue bridge project webpage. 

The bridge on Electric Avenue at Whatcom Creek will be closed to vehicle traffic on June 3, due to critical structural failures identified during a recent inspection. The safety of the public is our top priority. A routine inspection revealed more concerning issues than initially anticipated, necessitating the immediate closure.

What you need to know:

• A full closure of the bridge begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight, June 3, and will remain in effect for a minimum of two weeks.
• Detour information: While crews finalize a comprehensive detour plan, including traffic revision signs, please utilize Woburn Street as the alternate route for Electric Avenue.
• Public Transportation: Look for updates on potential route adjustments from Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) and Bellingham Public Schools coming soon.
• Pedestrians and Bicyclists: The bridge will remain open for pedestrians and bicyclists.

As you plan your boating routes around Lake Whatcom and to the boat launches, please be aware of this bridge closure. Visit the City of Bellingham’s Electric Avenue Bridge Reconstruction project page for updates through the Summer.