Citing ‘critical structural failures,’ Bellingham closes Electric Ave. Bridge for several weeks
“Critical structural failures” found in a recent inspection have closed the Electric Avenue bridge for at least two weeks, city officials said late Monday.
Drivers should use Woburn Street as a detour for the time being, according to the city’s website. Signs will be posted.
“We understand this closure will cause inconvenience, but the safety of our community is paramount. The bridge will be closed while we develop a plan to get traffic moving safely across Electric Avenue as soon as possible,” Public Works Director Eric Johnston said in a statement.
Whatcom Transportation Authority and Bellingham Public Schools will be providing information about changes to bus routes, the city said.
Pedestrians and bicyclists can continue to use the bridge, which crosses Lake Whatcom near Bloedel Donovan Park.
The Public Works Department is working on a temporary solution to allow for a single-lane traffic as soon as possible, the city said.
Plans for reconstruction of the bridge, which was built in 1959, are included in the city’s five-year transportation plan for 2024-2029.
About 10,500 cars and trucks cross the bridge daily, according to a city of Bellingham traffic count in 2023.
