Welcome to Skagit County

January 10, 2017

Learn about Burlington Northern Overpass Project at January 25 meeting

Drivers who regularly commute on Old Highway 99 north of Cook Road will need to find alternate routes for up to 18 months as Skagit County demolishes and rebuilds the Burlington Northern overpass.

Local residents and commuters are invited to learn more about the project – and how it will affect the community – at a public meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Skagit County Commissioners’ Administration Building lobby – 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon. County staff will make a brief presentation at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A opportunity at 5:45 p.m.

“We know that this project is going to have a big impact on drivers and residents in the area,” said Public Works Director Dan Berentson. “Old 99 is a key commuter route and an important truck route. There’s no way to avoid the 18-month closure, so we’re asking folks to plan extra time into their commute, and test out some alternate routes ahead of time.”

The existing Old Highway 99 over pass is a timber structure built in 1936. It’s considered structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. The new concrete overpass will be taller and wider, with room for a sidewalk and shoulders. Contract crews working for Skagit County will demolish the overpass this winter, and begin construction of the new span in the spring.

During the closures, drivers will use a signed detour on I-5 and Bow Hill Road to avoid the construction area.
                                                                                                                                               
Find more information about the project online at www.skagitcounty.net/BNOP. For questions or more details, please contact Project Manager Jennifer Swanson at 360-416-1400 or jennifers@co.skagit.wa.us.