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.

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