photo via Wikipedia

Finally, the monstrosity and headache that was the $42 million, two-year construction project on the Fremont bridge is nearing completion–four lanes now are open for traffic and the famous, “Waiting for the Interurban” statue is going back into place next week.

I’ve been avoiding that bridge like the black plague, which makes it sort of difficult to get to Fremont when you live in Queen Anne. I’m guessing this is why the two neighborhoods’ chambers of commerce are teaming up for a celebration next week. Leave it to Fremont to celebrate in light of their official motto “Delibertus Quirkus.” (The freedom to be peculiar). An afternoon party will be held on June 2nd, complete with “a parade of people in troll costumes, an inflatable slide and an inflatable obstacle course, a Chinese dancing dragon and a performance by the Fremont Philharmonic orchestra.” [pi]

Do you think the parade of troll people will include painted costumed bodies, riding around on bicycles? I hope so. Cause once a year isn’t enough for me! The Interurban also will be open for decoration once again at its familiar location. Interested in decorating the statue yourself? The Fremont chamber has official guidelines.

While traffic is flowing, a few details still are in the works, which will cause minor hiccups in accessibility. Expect the bridge to be closed overnight this Thursday and the bridge section of the Burke-Gilman Trail to not open until July. Buses will be back running across the bridge on June 2nd, and renovations to the bridge’s mechanical and electrical systems will continue for another year, but the worst is over!