On Friday a long-term map of alternative routes was agreed upon after a day of discussion and analysis by an interagency traffic group. That group was made up of representatives and engineers from public entities including the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the cities of Mount Vernon and Burlington, and the Skagit County Public Works Department.
Traffic plan team member Dina Swires of WSDOT acknowledged that the magnitude of the incident poses a serious challenge in terms of remedy, but added: “This is a plan that I believe benefits us all.”
In general, the plan calls for establishment of route options based on each driver’s destination, with particular focus on out-of-area drivers . The plan does not call for road closures, but is built around detour routes and adjustment of signs and signals. Swires noted that variable message signs will be delivered for placement/installation on Saturday. Alternate routes will be posted on WSDOT and Skagit County websites.
Northbound travelers on I-5, Swires noted, will be offered travel options depending on their destination. One option, for example, will be for Canada-bound travelers, another for trucks, and another for travelers bound for Anacortes and the San Juan Islands.
Particular efforts will be made for both north and southbound travelers with the goal of shopping or seeking services in the cities of Burlington and Mount Vernon. Another will direct travelers whose intended destination is Seattle.
“The reality of the situation is that we cannot fix a date for re-opening at this time,” said Skagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen. “We appreciate the level of understanding the public has demonstrated so far – and we ask for your continued patience as we commit ourselves to making the best of a very difficult situation.”
Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt said, “I want to personally thank our county partners. We will continue to work closely with them to minimize negative impacts of the I-5 closure, fiscally and functionally. I appreciate the unified effort among federal, state and local governments and our affiliated partners in addressing the critical traffic flow and safety issues facing everyone on the I-5 corridor.”
“Our goal,” he continued, “is to minimize the negative impacts of traffic flow on local citizens, businesses and farmers.”
“It was gratifying to work with a regional team that listened carefully to the input of local officials,” said Skagit County Commissioner Sharon Dillon.
The commissioners extended thanks to everyone from WSDOT, Burlington, Mount Vernon and Skagit County Public Works for their efforts.
Northbound I-5 Detour - Option A
Use exit 227 and follow signs east to State Route 538/East College Way, turn left onto Riverside Drive then left onto George Hopper Road and back to I-5.
Northbound I-5 Detour - Option B
Use exit 226 and follow signs west to State Route 536/East Kincaid Street. Continue on SR 536, then turn right onto SR 20 and back to I-5
Southbound I-5 Detour - Option A
Use exit 227 and follow signs east onto George Hopper Road. Next, head south on Riverside Drive/Burlington Boulevard, then turn right onto State Route 538/East College Way and back to I-5.
Southbound I-5 Detour - Option B
Use exit 230 and follow signs west to State Route 20/Avon Cutoff then south onto Avon Allen Road. From there, head east on State Route 536/Memorial Highway and back to I-5.
Link to Skagit River Bridge detour routes, WSDOT website:http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Construction/PugetSound/detourmap.htm