Google Maps was quick to show the closure of the bridge. Meanwhile, state DOT issued this release early Friday morning:
A portion of a bridge on Interstate 5 collapsed into the Skagit River near Mount Vernon Thursday, and drivers are asked to avoid the area as national and state investigators work to determine the cause.
Washington State Department of Transportation crews will have a signed detour in place by 4 a.m. to guide drivers through the area.
Reports indicate a span near the north end of the bridge was damaged by a commercial vehicle. State officials are investigating, and National Transportation Safety Board investigators are expected to arrive before noon Friday.
With more than 67,000 drivers using this stretch of I-5 each day, WSDOT asks drivers to avoid the area or expect long backups. Crews will monitor traffic patterns and make adjustments to the detour route as needed.
Once NTSB officials complete their investigation, WSDOT will move forward on removing debris from the Skagit River and replacing the bridge.