The closed State Street/Ellis Bridge, the source of a long downtown Bellingham detour for nearly a year, won’t open until late March, city officials now estimate.
The construction project, originally scheduled to be complete in January, will keep traffic diverted through the spring.
The original timber-supported bridge was built in the 1930s and has acted as a main route through Bellingham stretching over Whatcom Creek. But for now, Bellingham drivers must continue to navigate the detour, as the bridge remains fully closed to traffic. This detour reroutes drivers to Ohio Street, Cornwall Avenue and York Street.
Drivers northbound on Forest Street and Ellis Street will experience some single-lane closures throughout the project’s duration.
Construction crews have been working from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday since May, the city said. Though they completed demolition of the old bridge, replaced its wooden pile supports and placed girders by January, work remains. Next up, crews still need to address the bridge’s deck and barrier and place the slab.
The remaining work includes pouring large amounts of concrete, which is weather-sensitive and may impact work hours, the city said.
The project has a budgeted construction cost of $3.2 million. Updates can be found on the city’s website.
