It was an interesting two days commuting to work around the downed four lane I-5 freeway bridge that we have all grown to count on. Now we're relegated to a choice between three small bridges, two city bridges and one rural. Fortunately for us locals we know the back roads and access that gets you close to the small bridges, so you don't have to wait in line for long periods. There are two more bridge crossings up river near Sedro Woolley and Concrete, but not worth the extra driving.
Keep in mind 70,000 plus vehicles crossed that bridge every day, many were tractor trailer rigs, which are now down on the surface streets negotiating tight turns and traffic lights.
It was no problem at 0600 going to work, but the return trip at 1700 was interesting. The best solution was not to follow the WSDOT detour routes as that was what everybody else traveling I-5 was doing and ended up in mass traffic jams. I feel sorry for the out of area folks and tourists who don't have the local knowledge. They have little choice if they don't know their way around. I only had about 10 - 15 minutes extra commute coming home to get across the Skagit River bottle neck.
Hopefully, WSDOT will have a temporary span up for the short term.
Larry B
