Alternate routes in response to bridge collapse

Original messaging from WA State DOT and others urged that people stay away from I-5, but at this time there are alternate routes open and available to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, and businesses are open and expecting a busy weekend on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands.

May 24, 2013 2:38 pm

Submitted by Brendan Cowan
Director of the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management

Original messaging from WA State DOT and others urged that people stay away from I-5, but at this time there are alternate routes open and available to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, and businesses are open and expecting a busy weekend on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands.

Current best route for anyone heading to or from ferry to San Juan Islands in Anacortes from I-5 South of bridge collapse is the Best Rd/Fir Island

Route:http://goo.gl/maps/lpzTj

An alternate for times with lower traffic (early AM, evening) would be Rt. 536 through Mt. Vernon: http://goo.gl/maps/EzStv

For those coming from the North, Hwy 20 is accessibly through the usual Exit 230, or visitors may wish to take the scenic route through Bow: http://goo.gl/maps/tXMp4

Keep in mind that this recommendation may change as situation unfolds. Use the San Juan County Emergency Management Facebook and Twitter pages as resources for up to the minute reports on re-routing info.

San Juan County is actively seeking traveler reports with following info:

1. Route taken

2. Time added to “normal” travel time

Post these updates to Emergency Management Twitter page using @sjcdem or comment on most recent Emergency Management Facebook post with route & travel time info.

* Recent reports from mainland are of a major back up along the Best Rd. alternate route, from the junction of Fir Island Rd. and Pioneer Hwy (right near Exit 221 on I-5) all the way back to the Rexville Grocery or beyond.

Islanders heading to the mainland and going south may want to consider driving down Whidbey and taking the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry.