SR 536 Skagit River Bridge to close Nov. 1 in both directions for at least two weeks in Mount Vernon
(MOUNT VERNON)– Beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, the State Route 536 Skagit River/Division Street Bridge will close in both directions to all passenger and freight vehicles for at least two weeks.
The full closure will allow contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation to speed up completion of an ongoing painting and preservation project on the historic bridge linking Mount Vernon’s downtown and West Mount Vernon. Once work is finished, the bridge will fully reopen to eastbound and westbound traffic, according to a news release from WSDOT.
WSDOT’s goal is to reopen the bridge in both directions about two weeks after the full closure begins and in time for the holiday season. However, weather will play a key role in reaching that goal. Rain, wind and cold temperatures could delay or postpone work and extend the length of the closure.
An eastbound-only closure was originally expected to last until early 2027, but the full closure will significantly reduce the time needed to finish the project and restore two-way access across the river.
Access for emergency responders, pedestrians, bicyclists and people using mobility devices will be maintained in both directions during the full closure.
Beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, the bridge will close to all passenger and freight vehicles in both directions until construction is complete and the bridge reopens. WSDOT will announce the start time of the full closure once it has been set.
Once the bridge closes, all non-emergency vehicles should follow a signed detour using Interstate 5 and SR 20 in both directions. People should add additional time to travel plans to account for the detour, which is about 10 miles from one end of the bridge to the other.
The bridge closed to eastbound passenger and freight traffic on June 11. That closure will remain in place until the full closure finishes and the bridge reopens to both directions of travel.
Emergency vehicles will continue to have access across the bridge in both directions using the same system they have been using during the eastbound closure. The temporary traffic signals at either end of the bridge are only for emergency vehicles. They will not change for passenger or freight vehicles, which must use the signed detour.
The bridge sidewalk will remain open during most of the full closure. When construction requires closing the sidewalk, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant shuttle vans will be available for pedestrians, bicyclists and people using mobility devices.
The SR 536 Skagit River Bridge was built in 1953, but it has not been painted since 1990. This important preservation work will help protect the structure and extend its service life for years to come.
During the full closure, crews will complete painting, repair the driving surface, seal bridge joints, install lane markings, remove the containment system that has protected the Skagit River during construction and restore the bridge to its usual alignment with one lane of travel in each direction. While contractor crews have attempted to finish most work that requires good weather before the start of the full closure, some of the remaining tasks still could be delayed by rain, wind and cold temperatures.