Search
Close this search box.
Happy Birthday to us! Try 6 months of unlimited local news for $2.

State-Ellis Bridge is still under construction

Completion of the 80-year-old bridge is delayed through March

The State-Ellis Bridge completion is delayed until April or May.
The State-Ellis Bridge completion is delayed until April or May. (Hailey Hoffman/Cascadia Daily News)
By Kai Uyehara News Intern

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

Latest stories

Annual report to Bellingham, Whatcom County leaders shows little trend in pollution levels
March 27, 2024 10:00 p.m.
Four new classrooms and early learning center will expand trades education at North Bellingham campus
March 27, 2024 10:00 p.m.
This week's meetings, hearings and opportunities for public input
March 27, 2024 10:00 p.m.

Have a news tip?

Email newstips@cascadiadaily.com or Call/Text 360-922-3092

Sign up for our free email newsletters

Preferences: