County Offers Support in I-5 Bridge Collapse, Recovery

From Brendan Cowan
San Juan County Department of Emergency Management (DEM)

San Juan Islands Issues a Reminder that Islands are Open for Business
 

As news of the I-5 bridge collapse reached the islands on Thursday evening, the first instinct of local government was to help its neighbors. Offers of assistance were quickly made to Skagit County from San Juan County and the Town of Friday Harbor, and the islands stand by to support in any way possible.

When day broke on the Thursday of Memorial Day weekend, the good news that there were no fatalities was welcome, but the potential for a major economic impact on the islands loomed large.

Fortunately, WA State DOT has been working non-stop to identify, sign, and fine tune alternate routes to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal- of which there are many.

In a word, businesses on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands are very much OPEN, and visitors who make the trip will be greeted with very open arms.

The preferred route from the South is via Best Road (MAP), and those coming from the North may use the usual route at Exit 230, or avoid congestion by going through Bow (MAP). Both routes are scenic and connect directly with Highway 20 that leads right to the ferry.

Washington State Ferries are running on their usual holiday schedule, and there is ample parking at the Terminal.

For up to the minute updates, visit www.sanjuandem.net/facebook

Other online resources:

San Juan Islands Visitor Bureau
Town of Friday Harbor
San Juan County
Washington State DOT Traffic Info