10/23/2026
Mount Vernon, we’ve got some good news for you about the SR 536 Skagit River/Division Street Bridge preservation project.
After working with our contractor and Mount Vernon officials, we have developed a plan to accelerate the remaining work and finish this project much sooner than originally planned.
BUT (there's always a but): we need a full closure to make it happen, meaning the bridge only will be open to emergency vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and people using mobility devices.
Beginning Sunday, Nov.1, the SR 536 Skagit River Bridge will FULLY CLOSE to all non-emergency vehicles. Once the bridge is fully closed, we expect the remaining work will take about two weeks to finish, but the weather will play a role in how quickly we can finish. Rain, wind and cold temperatures could extend the closure.
We know that’s not exactly a small change of plans. But a full closure will give crews full access to the bridge structure and allow them to work more efficiently across the entire bridge instead of maintaining traffic through the work zone. We know it’s a bigger ask, but it gives crews the best chance to fully open the bridge for the holiday season.
Beginning Nov. 1, both directions of vehicle traffic will use the signed detour via SR 20 and I-5. People walking and biking still will have around-the-clock access across the river, and emergency vehicles still can use the bridge in both directions. When we need to close the sidewalk for work, an ADA-accessible shuttle service will be available.
Like most outdoor paint jobs, there are a lot of variables, and weather is a big one. Once the full closure begins, the bridge will remain closed to passenger and freight vehicles until the work is complete and the bridge can safely reopen for both directions of traffic.
While we know everyone is ready for us to wrap this project up, we also need to do it right. This bridge carries about 18,000 vehicles a day and hasn’t been painted since 1990. Crews aren’t just putting a fresh coat of gray over what’s there. They’re removing old paint, rust and debris, inspecting the steel, repairing or replacing corroded pieces and adding several coats of paint to preserve the bridge and extend its service life.
Until the full closure begins, the bridge will remain in its current traffic configuration with the bridge closed to eastbound traffic. If you’d like to see short updates about how work is progressing, our blog will be your best source: wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2026/10/skagit-river-bridge.html
