Electric Avenue Bridge Reconstruction

In 1959, builders constructed the Electric Avenue Bridge using timber pilings and support beams. In June 2024, routine inspections identified a significant worsening of one of the timber pile cap beams. Decay resulted in a loss of wood, crushing, and bulging, indicating a complete loss of the beam’s ability to support weight. Given the severity of the finding, the City immediately closed the bridge to all traffic. In September 2024, crews completed temporary repairs to strengthen the structure, which allowed both travel lanes to reopen.

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.

After securing funding, we will begin 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 additional 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 to secure funding to completely rebuild the bridge starting in 2023, including it as a 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. Given the severity of the finding, the City immediately closed the bridge to all 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.

We continue to prioritize public safety and remain firmly committed to delivering a lasting 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.

1959: The 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).

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 a 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

The City has included this project in its Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program. We are actively seeking grant funding to support project expenses.

Project Background

The City has determined that replacing the Electric Avenue Bridge is essential to ensuring long-term safety and reliability for the community. Replacement of the bridge presents the opportunity to widen the bridge and provide facilities for people walking and biking that are consistent with current long-range plans.

Funding

This project is currently listed as unfunded in the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program.

Contact

General project questions: AskPW@cob.org

Media inquiries: pwmedia@cob.org

Participating Departments

Affected Neighborhoods

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