Two-way traffic resumes on Bellingham’s Electric Ave. bridge following support work

Both lanes of traffic are open without a signal light on the Electric Avenue bridge for the first time since June, after its support pilings were strengthened, city officials said Wednesday afternoon.

A Public Works Department spokeswoman said the bridge was ready nearly two days ahead of its planned Friday opening, after it was closed Sept. 6.

“We are still working on a long-term solution. The permanent replacement of this critical infrastructure will require significant planning, resources and time,” Riley Grant said on the city’s Facebook page.

“Once funding is secured, we anticipate a multi-year process to design and construct a new bridge,” Grant said.

Grant told The Bellingham Herald that the bridge now has the same weight limits that were in place before its emergency closure June 3, when “critical failures” were found during an inspection.

The bridge, which carries 10,500 cars and trucks daily, reopened June 11 with temporary signals to allow alternating lanes of traffic to cross the 65-year-old bridge, with a weight restriction of 24 tons.

Plans for reconstruction of the bridge, which was built in 1959, are included in the city’s five-year transportation plan for 2024-2029.