N. Lake Samish Rd Bridge No. 107

Project Update

Construction to replace this bridge is likely to happen in 2022 or 2023, depending upon completion of real estate and environmental permitting work. This includes a consultation with the federal services under the Endangered Species Act which adds some uncertainty to the project schedule.

Once construction activities begin, North Lake Samish Road at the bridge will be closed with a signed detour route in place. We expect construction to last approximately nine months.

This will include construction of a temporary work bridge across the lake to the east of the existing bridge so the contractor can more easily demolish the existing bridge and construct the new bridge.

Public Works would like to thank the Lake Samish community and key stakeholders for their participation in the three public meetings held as part of the Type, Size, and Location Study (TS&L) for replacement of the existing N. Lake Samish Bridge 107. The final TS&L can be found at the link below:

N. Lake Samish Bridge No. 107 - Final Type, Size, & Location (TSL) Study

Background:

Whatcom County routinely performs safety inspections of all County owned bridges. During one of these inspections crews found increased amounts of rot in the wood of the bridge superstructure over the water. Weight capacity on the bridge was greatly reduced to maintain safety. Without some immediate solution the bridge would have to be closed to heavy traffic including school buses and fire district vehicles.

Multiple alternatives were investigated to address this issue with the preferred solution was to restrict the bridge to one-lane at the center span while designs for a replacement structure are prepared. This reduction to one-lane allows continued access for all passenger, school, and fire district vehicles with only minimum delays. The one-lane restriction was implemented in March 2016.

Traffic will still be allowed in both directions over the bridge with a stop sign at each side. Drivers in opposite directions will need to take turns using the single lane portion of the bridge.

Whatcom County would like to express thanks for your patience and understanding during this replacement process. Should there be any questions please send them by email to PublicWorks@co.whatcom.wa.us for the most prompt response.