WSDOT pulls forward Skagit River Bridge closure to November

The Washington State Department of Transportation will fully close the State Route 536 Skagit River/Division Street Bridge in Mount Vernon starting Sunday, November 1. The bridge, which carries two lanes of traffic, will remain closed in both directions until November 15. This closure marks the end of the bridge painting project, a task originally planned for completion in early 2027.

The department accelerated the timeline by four months to reduce the impact on local communities. The work was initially scheduled to finish just before the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. By moving the completion date to before Thanksgiving, WSDOT aims to avoid peak seasonal traffic and tourism periods. Melissa Ambler, the WSDOT assistant region administrator for the Mount Baker area, attributed the earlier finish to collaboration between the state and Mount Vernon officials.

"We appreciate the partnership of our contractor in working with us to find a way to complete this work more efficiently," Ambler said. She noted that modifying the traffic control plan at this stage required flexibility. "Changing the traffic control plan at this stage takes coordination and flexibility, and their willingness to work through those details with us gives us an opportunity to finish the preservation work before Thanksgiving, weather permitting," she added.

Drivers facing the closure will use specific detours for both directions. Eastbound vehicles will travel north on Avon Allen Road, east on State Route 20, and south on Interstate 5. Westbound traffic will follow the same route in reverse. The closure spans 14 days, ending when crews confirm the painting is complete. Emergency vehicles will retain access to the bridge in both directions throughout the work period.

WSDOT stated that pedestrian and bicycle access across the river will remain available. When the sidewalk is closed for construction, a shuttle service will operate to transport individuals using mobility devices across the river. The bridge is a historic structure, and the painting project focuses on preservation of the infrastructure.

The closure coincides with the Halloween weekend, prompting warnings for drivers to anticipate increased congestion on alternative routes. The department confirmed the November 1 start date and the November 15 target finish date. Weather conditions may affect the final completion time, though the goal remains to reopen the bridge before the holiday weekend.

The next phase of work will begin immediately upon the bridge closing on Sunday. Crews will paint both the eastbound and westbound sides of the structure. The project involves the entire span of the two-lane bridge. WSDOT will monitor progress daily to ensure the November 15 reopening target is met.