Welcome to Skagit County

March 8th, 2007

I-5 LANE CLOSURE NEXT TWO SUNDAYS IN MOUNT VERNON
Drivers should expect significant delays

MOUNT VERNON – Crews will close a ramp and lane of southbound I-5 in Mount Vernon for the next two Sunday mornings to remove trees along the highway.

Without help from drivers, the closures will cause significant delays and backups.

The delays could be as long as an hour and stretch up to two miles, according to WSDOT traffic engineers. Drivers can help by taking alternate routes and rescheduling their trips.

Closure
Crews will close the southbound on-ramp and right lane of Interstate 5 at Kincaid Street (exit 226) from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. to remove 23 trees on the west side of the highway.

If the backup reaches two miles, crews will stop work after 11 a.m. If crews have to stop early, then WSDOT will extend the tree removal work to a third weekend to make up for lost time.

The 75-foot tall poplar trees pose a threat to drivers and nearby residents if they were to fall.

“Several large branches have fallen during recent wind storms,” said WSDOT Maintenance Superintendent Ted Dempsey. “It’s essential we get these trees down before one comes down across the highway.”

For safety of the crews and drivers, crews will remove the trees during daylight hours with the help of a crane.

Drivers wanting to bypass the work can take SR 20 (exit 230) or SR 538 (exit 227) and head east to SR 9, then drive south to SR 534 in Conway, and head west back to I-5.

While the Kincaid Street on-ramp is closed, drivers on Kincaid Street will be detoured to the Anderson Road on-ramp (exit 225).

WSDOT needs drivers to:

Plan ahead. Consider rescheduling trips or taking alternate routes.
Watch television and radio news before you leave the house for the latest on traffic conditions.
Check the camera pages for Mt. Vernon at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/mtvernon/I5_CollegeWay_S.htm.

###

Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.