Washington DOT to close Mount Vernon's Skagit River crossing to all vehicles Nov. 1

Washington's State Route 536 Skagit River Bridge, the crossing that links Mount Vernon's downtown with West Mount Vernon, will close to all passenger and freight vehicles beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, the Washington State Department of Transportation says. The agency expects the shutdown to run about two weeks, with traffic restored in both directions ahead of the holiday season. Rain, wind and cold temperatures could push that timeline out.

The eastbound lanes have been closed to traffic since June 11. That restriction stays in place until the full closure ends and the span reopens to vehicles in both directions. An eastbound-only closure had been scheduled to run into early 2027, according to WSDOT. Moving to a full shutdown is meant to cut the time needed to finish the project and bring back two-way access.

The bridge was built in 1953 and has not been painted since 1990. During the closure, contractor crews working for WSDOT will paint the structure, repair the driving surface, seal bridge joints, install lane markings, remove the containment system that has shielded the Skagit River during construction, and return the bridge to its standard configuration of one travel lane in each direction. Crews have been doing weather-dependent work before Nov. 1, though some tasks could still slip if conditions turn.

Emergency responders, pedestrians, bicyclists and people using mobility devices will keep access across the river in both directions. The sidewalk will stay open for most of the shutdown; when work requires closing it, ADA-compliant shuttle vans will be available for people on foot, on bikes and using mobility devices. Temporary signals at each end of the bridge operate for emergency vehicles only.

Non-emergency traffic must follow a signed detour on Interstate 5 and SR 20 in both directions. WSDOT says the detour runs about 10 miles end to end, and drivers should add time to their trips. WSDOT will post the start time for the full closure once it is set, and will put out progress updates through its regional X and Bluesky accounts.