The State Route 536 Skagit River Bridge will be closed to traffic in both directions for two weeks as early as Nov. 1 to wrap up a yearlong repaint project just in time for Thanksgiving, according to a press release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. The reopening date may vary depending on weather conditions.The bridge has been closed to eastbound traffic since June 11. The project was originally expected to be completed in early 2027, before the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Now, it may reopen four months early as WSDOT, the agency’s contractor and Mount Vernon officials changed plans to minimize impacts on local businesses. Eastbound vehicles will continue to detour using northbound Avon Allen Road, eastbound SR 20 and southbound Interstate 5 until the bridge reopens; westbound traffic will use the same detour but in reverse order. Emergency responders, pedestrians, bicyclists and people using mobility devices will continue to use the bridge in both directions. When the bridge sidewalk is closed, an ADA-compliant shuttle will be available to transport people across the river. Crews will complete painting and repairs on the western span of the bridge to preserve the bridge’s service life, make bridge deck repairs and remove tarps and rigging.
Skagit County is lifting the outdoor burn ban starting at 8 a.m. Oct. 1, allowing for residential yard and land-clearing fires within unincorporated areas, according to a press release. Burn permits are required for piles larger than 4 feet by 4 feet and can be accessed on the county’s website. Residential yard and land-clearing fires are restricted to natural vegetation. Burning garbage, household trash, lumber, construction waste and demolition debris is not allowed. For more information, contact the Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-416-1840 or send an email to firemarshal@skagitcountywa.gov.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recalled four types of cheese for being linked to an E.coli outbreak. These raw milk cheeses include medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeno jack and Monterey jack and are sold under the Sierra Nevada Graziers brand in 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages. As of Monday, no E. coli cases have been reported in Washington, but the investigation is ongoing and the agency is recommending consumers to check their refrigerators and freezers and throw any of the recalled cheeses away. Symptoms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fever and vomiting and can appear after a few days or up to nine days after eating contaminated food. Some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and neurologic problems, according to the FDA. Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms.
