Year-and-a-half project to replace Lake Samish bridge reaches final stages
A bridge connecting the east and west sides of Lake Samish is scheduled open at noon Friday after 18 months of work to replace it.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience of nearby residents, drivers and cyclists, as well as utilities such as the Samish Water District, first responders including South Whatcom Fire Authority, and county partners like Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department, and all others who contributed to the success of this significant project,” the Whatcom County Public Works Department said in an emailed statement.
Replacement of the bridge, which was built in 1953 and underwent reconstruction in 1963, has been sought for several years.
Work was planned for summer 2023, but it was delayed because construction costs were too high, according to previous Herald reporting.
Since 2016, there have been weight limits across the 250-foot span that allowed only one car to pass at a time.
Total construction cost was about $10 million, and most of it was covered by a federal grant.
Lake Samish Park, which has been closed since April 2024, will remain closed as the Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department finishes restoration and repair work following the bridge project. The park was used for staging construction equipment.
It’s expected that the park — a popular swimming hole that also has hiking trails and a building for special events — will open toward the end of the year.
