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WashDOT outlines College Way repaving and yearlong River Bridge painting with eastbound closures
Summary
WashDOT told the Mount Vernon council SR 538 (College Way) is programmed with pre-design in 2026 and construction planned for 2029; SR 536 river-bridge rehabilitation will take about 11 months, include eastbound closure and limited full closures with shuttle service and emergency access preserved.
Representatives from the Washington State Department of Transportation updated the Mount Vernon City Council on two regional projects on April 8.
Melissa Ambler and David Rosbach said SR 538 (College Way) is funded and in pre-design for 2026, moving to design and an anticipated advertising date in October 2028; the contractor is expected to begin work after the Tulip Festival in May 2029. The work is planned as a mill-and-overlay (about 2 inches) across roughly three miles from I-5 to SR 9 with spot structural repairs, pedestrian ramp upgrades and "complete streets" design considerations to balance cars, freight, bicycles and pedestrians.
WashDOT said maintenance crews will also perform targeted mill-and-fill repairs this summer on heavily worn wheel paths (near Safeway and east of Continental) and encouraged residents to report localized maintenance needs via NWPublicAffairs@wado.wa.gov.
On SR 536 (the river bridge), WashDOT described a rehabilitation and repainting project for a 1950s-era structure that will include corrosion repairs and repainting in the existing color. The estimated duration is 11 months with eastbound traffic closed for most of the project; the contractor is allowed up to four weekend full closures when alternate shuttle service will be provided for pedestrians and bicyclists. During the project, emergency vehicles will have two-way access via temporary signals when needed.
Councilmembers asked about project timing and prioritization; WashDOT staff encouraged constituents to contact legislators to aid project earmarking and said they will publish legislator contact lists and coordinate outreach (including a WashDOT booth at the Tulip Festival). WashDOT also reported an increase in signal crossing time at Kincaid following coordination with city staff and said they are exploring flashing signage and other pedestrian-safety improvements.
WashDOT emphasized the schedule could change because of funding or contract scheduling, and staff said they will share contractor schedules and signage plans when contracts are executed.
