Mount Vernon Bridge Closure Hurts Local Businesses as Drivers Face Detours

Mount Vernon Bridge Closure Hurts Local Businesses as Drivers Face Detours

A major bridge closure in Mount Vernon is taking a toll on small businesses, with owners reporting fewer customers and declining sales as drivers are forced to take lengthy detours to cross the Skagit River.

The State Route 536 Division Street Bridge closed in both directions on November 1 as part of a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project to preserve and repaint the historic structure.

The closure has disrupted traffic between downtown Mount Vernon and West Mount Vernon, leaving some businesses struggling to maintain their regular customer base.

Small Businesses Report Sharp Declines in Customers

Business owners along Division Street say the construction-related disruption has significantly reduced foot traffic.

Nicole Cruse, owner of Cruser Coffee, said the situation became increasingly difficult after partial closures began in June. The complete shutdown has made it even harder for customers to reach her business.

Cruse previously served more than 100 customers a day and employed two workers. She is now covering more shifts herself to manage expenses.

She described the area as unusually quiet and said she hopes there will be some way to compensate businesses affected by the project.

Other nearby businesses are reporting similar problems.

Kayetlyn Brittain, a budtender at Northwest Cannabis Company, said sales have fallen by approximately 40% on many days. Regular customers who previously crossed the bridge are no longer visiting as frequently.

Why the Division Street Bridge Is Closed

The SR 536 Skagit River Bridge is undergoing a painting and preservation project intended to extend the service life of the historic two-lane structure.

WSDOT originally expected the work to continue into early 2027. However, the transportation agency coordinated with Mount Vernon officials and its contractor to accelerate construction.

The full closure allows crews to complete the remaining work more efficiently rather than maintaining a prolonged traffic restriction.

The bridge closed to all passenger and freight vehicles in both directions on November 1. Emergency vehicles retain access across the river.

Drivers Must Follow a 10-Mile Detour

Motorists traveling between downtown Mount Vernon and West Mount Vernon must use an alternate route.

The signed detour uses:

• Avon Allen Road
• State Route 20
• Interstate 5

The alternative route adds approximately 10 miles to the trip between the two ends of the bridge.

Pedestrian and bicycle access is being maintained during much of the construction. When work requires closing the bridge sidewalk, shuttle transportation is available for pedestrians, cyclists and people using mobility devices.

Emergency responders can also cross the bridge using a separate access arrangement.

WSDOT Aims to Reopen Bridge Before the Holiday Season

WSDOT acknowledges that the closure has created difficulties for residents and businesses on both sides of the river.

Agency officials say they are working with the contractor to complete the project as quickly as possible while ensuring the bridge receives the preservation work it needs.

The target is to reopen the bridge before the holiday season, with weather conditions playing an important role in the schedule.

Rain, wind and cold temperatures could delay construction and push the reopening date back.

Local Businesses Hope Customers Will Return

For small businesses in West Mount Vernon, the bridge closure has created an especially challenging period ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Owners say the loss of regular customers and reduced visibility are affecting daily operations.

Until the bridge reopens, residents are encouraged to support local businesses on both sides of the Skagit River and allow extra time when traveling through Mount Vernon.

The project is intended to protect an important transportation connection for the long term, but local businesses are hoping the disruption will end soon.