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.

It’s that time of the year again! April 27th marks the start of the 2024 summer boating season for the Whatcom Boat Inspection Program. Aquatic Invasive Species Program staff will be conducting watercraft inspections and decontaminations at four sites in the Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish Watershed. Our season schedule is as follows:

Bloedel Donovan and Lake Samish (7 days a week) – April 27th through September 26th. 

Sudden Valley Boat Launch (Weekends/Holidays Only) – May 4th to September 22nd. 

South Bay Boat Launch (Weekend/Holidays Only) April 27th through September 22nd.

The final day for inspections and wire seals at Bloedel Donovan and Lake Samish is Thursday, September 28^th. The final day for inspections and wire seals at Sudden Valley is Sunday, September 24^th. Boat owners are encouraged to have their boats wire sealed, if they do not plan on using it throughout the winter months, to ensure a speedy and efficient start to the 2024 boating season. Please note that launch closure times will vary on available daylight.

If you happen to miss us at the boat launch, don’t worry! Our year round staff are available (starting October 2^nd) Monday – Friday 8:30 AM  – 4:30 PM to meet you at the launch when you retrieve your vessel. Just be sure to call with advance notice.

To find out the most current hours of operation, to schedule an appointment, or to have your vessel wire sealed, please call the AIS Boat Inspection Hotline at: (360) 778-7975.

Our permits for the upcoming 2024 season will arrive sometime in January and our team will be standing by to get boaters updated permits soon after the new year.

Thank you all again and see you in 2024!

*The Blodel Donovan and Sudden Valley boat launch have reopened as of 9/3/2023

The Bloedel Donovan Park boat launch will be closed and boating traffic not allowed until further notice to keep Lake Whatcom clear while fire crews fight wildfires on the lake’s southeast shoreline, likely caused by lightning Monday evening (August 28). Please respect the closures and advisories that are in place for public safety and protection. See Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office for more information. 

The South Bay boat launch will be closed from August 21 through September 30, 2023 for redevelopment. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife will construct a new concrete boat launch, dock, vault toilet, pave the parking lot and create parking stalls. More information on the project and closure is available at the WDFW Lake Whatcom webpage.

The Lake Whatcom Boat Launch will be closed July 8th from 4am-2pm to accommodate the Lake Whatcom Triathlon. More information about the Lake Whatcom Triathlon can be found here: https://www.lakewhatcomtriathlon.com/.

It’s that time of the year again! April 22nd marks the start of the 2023 summer boating season for the Whatcom Boat Inspection Program. Aquatic Invasive Species Program staff will be conducting watercraft inspections and decontaminations at four sites in the Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish Watershed. Our season schedule is as follows:

Bloedel Donovan : (7 days a Week) April 22^nd – Sept 30^th 5:00 AM until 9:00 PM

Samish Boat Launch: (7 days a week) April 22^nd – Sept 30^th: 5:30 AM until 8:30 PM

South Bay Boat Launch:  (Weekends/Holidays Only) April 22^nd – Mid September: 9:00 AM until 6:30 PM

Sudden Valley:  (Weekends/ Holidays Only) May 6^th – Mid September: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Permits can be purchased with a Debit/Credit Card at all inspection sites. *For the safety of our staff, Cash is not accepted at any of the launches. All Cash and Check purchases will have to be made in advance at the City of Bellingham Finance Office at City Hall*

Click here for AIS Permit pricing and to be directed to our online prepayment system. Don’t forget to take our AIS Awareness Course to receive a coupon code for a $10 discount on each of your Annual Permits (3-day Passes and Visitors Passes are not subject to a discount)

Call the Whatcom Boat Inspection Program at (360) 778-7975 to confirm hours or to schedule an on-site appointment.

We are excited to kick off the 2023 Boating Season. Please remember to clean, drain, and dry your boats and gear to protect our local lakes!