Traffic limits ease on Bellingham bridge found with ‘significant’ rotting timbers
The Electric Avenue bridge, which has been closed for a week due to decaying wood on some of its pilings, opened Tuesday to one lane of alternating traffic in each direction.
Temporary signals will allow alternating lanes of traffic to cross the 65-year-old bridge, with a weight restriction of 24 tons, Bellingham officials said in a statement.
“The temporary signals will allow cars to proceed over the bridge at regular driving distances and multiple cars will be able to cross in each direction before it switches to the other direction — similar to how it would be if flaggers were present,” Public Works Department spokeswoman Riley Frant told The Bellingham Herald.
“This temporary solution is necessary due to critical structural issues identified in a recent inspection. The temporary traffic plan is designed by engineers to minimize stress on the affected area of the bridge,” the city said in its statement.
The bridge closed June 3 after an inspection found “significant” rotting of its timbers and support beams.
Ambulances and most firefighting units will be able to use the bridge, but some large trucks won’t be able to cross.
Pedestrian access remains open on the east side sidewalk, but bicycles will share the traffic lane and must obey traffic signals and all traffic laws.
About 10,500 cars and trucks cross the bridge daily, according to a city of Bellingham traffic count in 2023.
“Delays are expected, especially during peak hours. We recommend considering alternative routes, walking, biking, or carpooling whenever possible to minimize congestion,” the city said.
A permanent fix likely will require replacement of the bridge, which crosses Lake Whatcom near Bloedel-Donovan Park.
Plans for reconstruction of the bridge, which was built in 1959, are included in the city’s five-year transportation plan for 2024-2029.
No funding for bridge replacement was immediately available, the city said.
This story was originally published June 11, 2024 at 4:45 PM.
