Electric Avenue Bridge Reconstruction

Important

Bridge reopened, September 18, 2024

Important Notice: Both travel lanes on the bridge are open.

The temporary repairs for the Electric Avenue bridge over Whatcom Creek were completed, Wednesday, September 18, 2024. These repairs reinforced the bridge structure to allow for the reopening of both travel lanes.

Working Towards a Permanent Solution

While these temporary repairs to the Electric Avenue bridge allow for full use of the bridge, we recognize the need for a long-term solution. The permanent replacement of this critical infrastructure will require significant planning, resources, and time.

Once funding is secured, we anticipate a multi-year process to design and construct a new bridge. This will involve extensive engineering studies, public input, and coordination with various stakeholders. Our goal is to develop a sustainable and resilient structure that meets the needs of our community for generations to come.

Bellingham Public Works has been tracking the condition of the bridge over the years, especially the main support beams and pilings made of wood. The timber pilings and beams are experiencing accelerated rates of decay. An inspection in 1999 indicated a need for addition supports at locations with decay, which were installed later that same year. A 2017 inspection noted additional decay in the heavy support timbers. Subsequent inspections, completed every two years, continued to monitor the decay. The department started working on getting funding to completely rebuild the bridge starting in 2023, including it as project in the city’s 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to help secure reconstruction funds. A supplemental inspection in 2024 was completed to prepare for funding applications in 2025 – the funding cycle occurs every two years, and the bridge project wasn’t awarded funding in 2023.

The 2024 inspection revealed a significant worsening condition in one of the timber pile cap beams. Decay in the beam has resulted in a significant loss of the competent wood resulting in crushing and bulging. The observed bulging suggests a complete loss of the cap’s ability to support weight. Due to the severity of this finding, the bridge was immediately closed to all vehicle traffic. This type of failure is consistent with bridges of this age and construction type. Temporary repairs were completed in September 2024 and the bridge was able to reopen with two-way traffic.

Public safety remains our top priority and the City is committed to a permanent solution. Planning and funding efforts are underway for a full bridge reconstruction project. We will keep the community updated on the progress through this project webpage.

See the June 3 news release and June 11 news release for more information.

1959: Electric Avenue bridge is built over Whatcom Creek.

1999: Inspection reveals decay in the bridge’s wooden support beams (timber pilings and beams). Additional supports are installed at locations with significant decay.

2017: An inspection identifies further decay in the timber support beams.

2019-2023: Subsequent inspections, completed every two years, continue to monitor the decay in the timber beams.

Early 2023: Bellingham Public Works begins efforts to secure funding for a complete bridge reconstruction and includes the bridge in the city’s 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The estimated cost to replace the bridge is $7.5 million.

2024: A supplemental inspection is completed in preparation for funding applications in 2025 (funding cycles occur every two years).

June 3, 2024: The 2024 inspection reveals a significant worsening of one of the timber pile cap beams. Decay has resulted in a loss of wood, crushing, and bulging, indicating a complete loss of the beam’s ability to support weight. Due to the severity of this finding, the bridge is immediately closed to all vehicle traffic.

June 11, 2024: The bridge partially reopens with one-lane traffic and 24-ton weight restriction.

September 2024: Temporary repairs were completed to reinforce the structure. Both lanes of travel were reopened.

Project Overview

This project will reconstruct and widen the existing bridge, originally constructed in 1959. The new bridge will include one vehicle travel lane in each direction, separated bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides.

Project Status

This project is included in the City’s Draft Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program and the City is currently seeking grant funding.

Project Background

This aging bridge has been identified as needing to be replaced. Replacement of the bridge presents the opportunity to widen the bridge provide facilities for people walking and biking that are consistent with current long-range plans.

Funding

This project is currently partially funded in the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program, with the balance of the project unfunded.

WSDOT Local Programs Federal Local Bridge Program Project Application, April 2023 (PDF) – not funded for 2024

Contact

Mike Olinger
Assistant Director of Public Works Operations
molinger@cob.org

Media inquiries: Email pwmedia@cob.org

*Important*