The City of Bellingham understands the importance of the Electric Avenue bridge and is pleased to announce its partial reopening starting today (June 11, 2024). The bridge will be open to one lane of alternating traffic controlled by temporary traffic signals.
Please note: Weight restrictions of 24 tons are in place, allowing access for most emergency vehicles but limiting large trucks.
This temporary solution is necessary due to critical structural issues identified in a recent inspection. The City prioritized public safety and immediately closed the bridge to all traffic to ensure public safety. The temporary traffic plan is designed by engineers to minimize stress on the affected area of the bridge.
What to expect:
- One lane of alternating traffic with temporary traffic signals.
- Weight restrictions of 24 tons (one large vehicle at a time).
- Pedestrian access remains open on the east side sidewalk.
- Bicycles will share the traffic lane and must obey traffic signals and all traffic laws.
Delays are expected, especially during peak hours. We recommend considering alternative routes, walking, biking, or carpooling whenever possible to minimize congestion.
The City is committed to a permanent solution for the Electric Avenue bridge. 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.