The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says that there is no estimated time for a bridge to reopen after it was struck by a truck.
The bridge strike occurred before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, at the Skagit River bridge in Mount Vernon near George Hopper Road.
Troopers say that a semi truck traveling in the southbound lanes of I-5 struck a bridge barrier and broke a front axel.
No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.
Officials have opted to shut down both directions of the bridge until inspectors can confirm that the bridge is safe for travel.
WSDOT said that drivers should expect serious delays. “Please plan for a long term closure of the Skagit River Bridge today. Our team is heading up from Olympia to inspect the bridge. Please plan your trip accordingly and check back here for updates, no ETA at this time,” the agency warned.
Traffic backups of two miles have been reported in the area.
You can follow WSDOT on Twitter for the latest travel information.
Please plan for a long term closure of the Skagit River Bridge today. Our team is heading up from Olympia to inspect the bridge. Please plan your trip accordingly and check back here for updates, no ETA at this time.
— WSDOT North Traffic (@wsdot_north) December 9, 2020