According to Bothell city officials, an inspection Oct. 15 revealed that one of the timber piles at the 240th Street Southeast bridge over North Creek has deteriorated to the point where the city feels the bridge is unsafe for vehicular traffic.

Initially, the city announced it was closing the bridge to eastbound traffic. Officials then decided to close the bridge entirely.

According to Bothell Public Information Officer Joy Johnston, crews may reopen one lane of traffic on the bridge if they decide the bridge can support limited traffic.

In the meantime, Johnston said the city is advising drivers to avoid 240th Street between Fitzgerald Road and 35th Avenue Southeast and to find an alternate route.

According to the city, the 240th Street bridge is already scheduled to be replaced within two years under Bothell’s 2011-2017 Capital Facilities Plan. Johnston said staff is evaluating the feasibility of a temporary fix for the bridge and also weighing moving up the timetable to replace the structure.

Bothell conducts bridge inspections on a regular basis. For more information, contact Steven Morikawa, Capital Program Manager at 425-486-2768, ext. 6820 or e-mail steven.morikawa@ci.bothell.wa.us.