BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – As one Bellingham bridge closes, another reopens in the James Street area.

The City of Bellingham says the James Street Bridge over Whatcom Creek will close on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 13, while construction of a permanent replacement gets underway. Meanwhile, the new Meador Avenue Bridge has reopened for traffic.

The two adjacent bridges were originally built in 1936 before they were rebuilt in 1962. According to the city, both were built on timber piers which have been deteriorating.

The new James Street Bridge is expected to be open by early summer.

Public Works says the sidewalks on the new Meador Avenue Bridge still need to be poured, so pedestrians are advised to be cautious when crossing the temporary pathway. Weather permitting, the permanent sidewalk will be installed by the end of February.

It comes as the newly restored Maritime Heritage Park boardwalk also recently reopened over Whatcom Creek.