LAKE SAMISH, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The more than year-long closure North Lake Samish Bridge is set to begin next month.

Whatcom County Public Works says construction to replace the bridge is expected to start on May 28. The bridge and Samish Park, which is being used as a staging area for the contractor, will both be fully closed for about 15 months.

The N. Lake Samish Bridge was built in 1963. An inspection of the bridge nearly a decade ago found increased amounts of rot in the wood of its superstructure, making it dangerous for heavy traffic like school buses and fire engines.

It was restricted to one lane traffic in 2016 to reduce its weight capacity and allow for safe travel ahead of the upcoming replacement structure.

A signed detour will be in place during construction and there will be periodic closures to boat traffic under the bridge. The new bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in late August 2025.