by Lin McNulty
New Skagit River temporary bridge span. Photo: WSDOT
Depending upon the source you read, the temporary bridge span over the Skagit River will reopen tomorrow, or at least by the weekend. The State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website says “sometime this week.” Governor Inslee’s office says “Wednesday.”
On Sunday, June 16, crews pushed the second of two temporary sections across the gap between the north and south sides of the Skagit River Bridge. Crews are now placing the steel plates that will make up the new bridge deck. To open the new bridge to traffic, the deck must be installed, paved and striped. Crews must also complete and inspection of the bridge piers.
Crews expect to work in around-the-clock shifts as much as possible until the temporary span is complete.
The span collapsed on Thursday May 23, when it was hit by on oversize load, plunging three vehicles into the water below. Fortunately, there were no major injuries.
Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement following Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement that the I-5 bridge over the Skagit River will reopen tomorrow.
“It’s time for traffic to flow again on I-5,” Larsen said. “To have this bridge open again less than a month after the collapse is an astounding testament to the local, state and federal officials who have worked tirelessly in Skagit County. This is an important first step to permanently fixing the bridge. In the meantime, Skagit County is open for business and ready for visitors.”
As is San Juan County…!
Bellingham radio stations are saying bridge will open to traffic this afternoon, June 19
The southbound lanes opened yesterday, June 19, before 5 a.m. The northbound lanes opened at 6 a.m. The lanes are narrower and the speed limit is 40 mph over the bridge — and heavy, oversized loads are not permitted on the bridge. Local businesses report support FROM local businesses during the hiatus — doing business locally is an essential in good times and in “disasters.”