Tag: Skagit

The Tulips Of Skagit Are In Full Glory Now – Plan Ahead

Carl Setzer
Skagit tulips are in full bloom

Tulip traffic was pretty brutal last weekend. I saw back ups starting in Lynnwood. I don’t know how far the congestion went, often it opens up some north of Marysville/Arlington.

Anyway, I was hoping that the Easter holiday was a large contributor, but the good folks at WA DOT aren’t so sure. They’re predicting even heavier traffic volumes the next few weekends, as the flowers are now in solid bloom. Not sure how lovely the weather will be, but this is western Washington and you can’t let a little rain hinder your fun.

Below are some notes from the WS DOT. I particularly recommend the SR 20 option. If you’re not heading for the tulips, you might even head over to 9, though if that’s backed up, you’re kinda stuck.

A Skagit pro-tip: check out Calico Cupboard, one of my favorite restaurants up there. Besides the Mt. Vernon one, there’s one in La Conner, too (a nice little junket away from the fields, still quite close, though). And if you need some caffeination, let me recommend Woods Coffee. They’re a chain out of Whatcom county, and I’ve been to several of their Bellingham stores and am fond of them. The Mt. Vernon store’s parking lot is a little quirky, so be forewarned.

If you’re not heading to the tulips, here are some other opportunities in the north Puget Sound region.

I hope your weekend is refreshing and wonderful.

Traffic was rough in and out of Skagit County this weekend and I’d expect it to be worse the next couple of weekends as tulip fields are in full bloom.

Here’s what to know:

  • Consider getting to the fields and gardens before the gates officially swing open to beat I-5 traffic in and out of the area.
    • Both Tulip Festival gardens open at 9 a.m.
  • SR 20 is a good alternate into the tulip fields but consider going backroads to get out.
    • Know that once you hit county roads around the fields, there will be congestion and even deputies directing traffic at some intersections. It doesn’t matter the time.
  • There aren’t many restrooms available out on the county roads if you’re doing a driving tour. Consider stopping at one of the WSDOT Safety Rest Areas along I-5 before checking out the flowers.

In my opinion, visiting Skagit Valley this time of year is totally worth it. Just know that even if you plan ahead and have alternate routes – you are going to experience some congestion. Plan ahead by having snacks and activities in the car to keep everyone relaxed before and after your visit.

The 2017 Skagit Tulip Festival Is In Full Bloom

Carl Setzer

For those of us who deal with life north of Puget Sound, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is on. That means extra volumes of traffic around Mt. Vernon and the surrounding south Skagit County Communities (La Conner and Conway, I feel your pain…).

Here’s some guidance, straight from the experts at WA Department of Transportation, to help minimize the aggravations increased traffic causes.

 

Tulip Watch 2017 & we’ve got blooms!

We’re about halfway through this year’s Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, and the tulips are finally here. According to the Festival, more tulips are blooming each day! With the weather on tap to be decent this weekend, this might be as good a time as any to head up to Skagit County.

Now that color is popping, expect the roads to be busy:

  • Come early, before 10 a.m. on the weekends (especially sunny ones) to avoid backup.
  • Consider SR 20 instead of the exit direction into Mount Vernon city streets.
  • SR 9 is another northbound alternate into Skagit County.
  • Remember these tulip fields are along 2 lane county highways and when you’re out there:
    • keep moving
    • don’t stop in the road (including parking over the white line)
    • obey no parking signs
    • don’t block driveways
    • be cautious if walking/taking pictures along the road
  • Consider stopping at a WSDOT safety rest area to use the restroom before you hit the fields.

WSDOT work this weekend in Everett, and other news

Carl Setzer
WSDOT Logo

Snohomish County  Highway and construction Updates

 

I-5 Everett bridge inspection Saturday

If you’re headed north on I-5 Saturday morning – maybe headed to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (see below) – be ready for some potential slowdown near the SR 526/SR 527 interchange. WSDOT bridge maintenance crews will be doing bridge inspection work that will close two lanes from about5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A single lane will remain closed until about 2 p.m.

Full SR 522 ramp closure Monday night

Monroe drivers should prepare for a full closure of the westbound SR 522 ramp to West Main Street/164th Street Southeast from 7 p.m. Monday, April 13 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 14. The section of West Main Street/164th Street between Fryelands Boulevard and the east roundabout will also be closed from 10 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday (a signed detour will be in place). During the closure, contractor crews working for WSDOT will continue their work on the new roundabout on the west side of SR 522. This is part of the SR 522 widening project.

Improved traffic flow coming to SR 99 in Everett

A project that will improve traffic flow on SR 99 at Airport Road in Everett begins this coming week. Contractor crews working for WSDOT will begin removing parts of traffic islands in both directions of SR 99 at Airport Road to create a third, bus-only through lane. Right now, the islands extend into the right lane, requiring vehicles to turn onto eastbound or westbound Airport Road. Once the islands have been reduced, about 150 Community Transit buses each day will be able to proceed through the intersection in the right lane. Cars and trucks can also use the lane but will have to make right turns onto Airport Road. Some other work is included in the project as well. No traffic control is planned for this coming week but there will be some lane closures in the future so be sure to stay plugged in to our Northwest Construction Update page.

Full southbound SR 529 closures complete

Full southbound closures of SR 529 between Marysville and Everett are finished, which is great news for drivers who have been detouring to I-5 while workers do maintenance work on the Snohomish River Bridge. We’ll still have some single-lane closures between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.Monday, April 13 through Thursday, April 16 so be prepared for some delays.

Remember, it’s tulip time

I’ll admit it, I drove to Bellingham on Easter and forgot about traffic headed to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. It’s not a mistake I’ll make again. So I’ll remind myself and you, prepare for significant traffic delays, especially on weekends, headed to the tulip fields. If you can, leave very early or as it gets dark. Otherwise, pack patience, great tunes and avoid the Big Gulps because it could be a real slow-go in the Mount Vernon area.