CHOKEPOINTS

Expect a bumpy ride on the way to this year’s Tulip Festival

Apr 4, 2017, 5:42 AM | Updated: 8:29 am

Skagit Valley Tulip Fesitval...

If you're heading to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, plan ahead for traffic delays, especially coming northbound on I-5. (AP)

(AP)

It could take you longer to make the trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival this year if you’re coming from the south. That’s because northbound I-5 is reduced to two lanes in south Skagit County for a bridge-construction project.

The bridge project is north of Starbird Road, but the two-lane configuration could add more time to your already slow trip. The speed limit has been reduced through the work zone.

WSDOT Assistant Regional Administrator Jay Drye said, “We just want to make sure visitors plan ahead before hitting the road and consider alternate routes to help ease congestion.”

Allowing for some extra time will hopefully reduce your stress and make your pictures a fun experience for everyone.

Here are alternate routes for drivers (expect heavier than usual volumes during peak event times):

• Northbound drivers can take the Conway/Lake McMurray exit and use Fir Island Road.

• Southbound drivers can get off at the Burlington/Anacortes exit and follow west State Route 20.

• Travelers in either direction can also take SR 9.

• When/where should you go? Check out the La Conner “Bloom Map” here.

Chokepoints

Bellevue cops light rail...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Bellevue will have cops on Eastside light rail trains

You can expect to see uniformed Bellevue cops riding the light rail trains on the Eastside when service between Bellevue and Redmond begins on Saturday.

1 hour ago

restricted parking zones...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: A guide to Restricted Parking Zones for any confused drivers

Deciphering the language on some parking signs can be difficult, and I am here to answer any questions regarding Restricted Parking Zones.

2 days ago

Photo: A driver uses a phone while behind the wheel of a car on April 30, 2016 in New York City....

Micki Gamez

AAA: Washington is one of the worst states for distracted driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and to to shine a light on the subject, AAA Washington has teamed up with Safe Drive Club.

3 days ago

Image: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closed part of Interstate 90 on Fr...

Steve Coogan

I-90 reopens after a closure due to an emergency tree removal

I-90 reopened after needing to close Friday afternoon due to an emergency tree removal, the Washington State of Transportation said Friday.

6 days ago

I-405 expansion...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: I-405 expansion to widen freeway in Bothell is underway

We've all seen I-405 expanding between Bellevue and Redmond, but construction to widen the freeway north of Bothell is now underway as well.

9 days ago

revive i-5 seattle...

Nate Connors

I-5 repair work to slow spring breakers, baseball fans this weekend

Beginning Friday night, three lanes of I-5 north between Albro Place and the West Seattle Bridge through Monday morning at 5 a.m.

12 days ago

Expect a bumpy ride on the way to this year’s Tulip Festival