Though construction is past its scheduled completion date, the State-Ellis Bridge is set to open by the end of the day Friday, April 22.
The 80-year-old bridge that spans across Whatcom Creek went under construction in May 2021 and was supposed to open in February. Delays were estimated to set completion back until this April or May.
The contractor responsible for construction has exhausted the number of working days allotted in their contract for the bridge project, Project Engineer Aric Smathers said in an email. The days the contractor worked beyond these allotted working days are subject to a fine of $3,200 per day according to their contract.
“The City is in the process of reviewing this and will determine an outcome once the project is complete,” Smathers said.
Even when the bridge opens later this month, there is still some work to be done.
The bridge will be striped temporarily and drivers should expect some lane closures, Public Works Spokesman Amy Cloud said in an email.
“Contractors still need to finish the traffic rated barriers, sidewalks, railing and road striping among other items,” Cloud said.
Striping can’t be completed until the concrete has cured for 28 days on the bridge and approach slabs.
Once finished, the new State-Ellis Bridge will be more durable than its predecessor. The wood-supported bridge is now a concrete structure, and the wooden piles once laid in Whatcom Creek have been restored with streambed cobbles, Cloud said.
Until the opening date, however, drivers must still navigate the detour through Ohio Street, Cornwall Avenue and York Street.
