Washington State Department of Natural Resources
05/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2026 12:26
Bridge Replacement Will Temporarily Close Access to DNR-Managed Lands in Whatcom County
May 07, 2026
Construction will run from June until October 2026 and provide improvements to public access, safety and fish habitat in Racehorse Creek.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will temporarily close access to DNR-managed lands off North Fork Road in Whatcom County while a bridge over Racehorse Creek is being replaced. Construction is anticipated to begin in June and conclude in October 2026.
The 50-foot bridge is located about one and half miles after the end of pavement on North Fork Road and was constructed in 1978. Bridge replacement is essential to provide safe access to recreation sites such as Racehorse Creek Falls and other hiking and biking trails in the area.
The new bridge will be larger in span and provide more room for Racehorse Creek to pass through during high flow events. It will also include improvements for fish habitat in the stream.
A temporary gate will be installed while construction is underway. DNR advises recreators in the area to seek alternative opportunities, such as those listed on dnr.wa.gov/go.
The bridge replacement is projected to cost $900,000, with funding provided from the state Capitol Budget and DNR's road maintenance account.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Courtney James
Communications Manager
Cell: 360-522-2534
Washington State Department of Natural Resources published this content on May 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 07, 2026 at 18:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]