Spring break plans taking you onto Highway 20? Plan for delays as the state commences work on a $13.4 million project to install not one but two roundabouts.
Spring highway construction will affect San Juan Islands and north Whidbey Island vacationers. Around-the-clock lane reductions are scheduled to start April 2.
The Highway 20 Spur is the primary access to Anacortes and ferry service to the San Juan Islands. And Highway 20 offers the only land access to Whidbey Island. Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews will be improving Sharpes Corner — the Skagit County intersection where drivers choose which way to go.
More than 30,000 vehicles pass through each day, and backups are frequent during the summer tourist season.
Construction is expected to cause delays into July.
WSDOT offers some tips if you need to travel the area during construction:
– Leave plenty of extra time to make your Anacortes ferry reservation (there are public parks, a library and coffee shops in Anacortes if you end up with extra time).
– Avoid travel through the area during peak periods (such as Friday afternoons).
More information is online at tinyurl.com/SharpesCorner.
Funding comes from the 2015 Connecting Washington transportation package. The project initially was planned for 2009, when it was shut down for lack of money.
Got a question or topic for Street Smarts? Email streetsmarts@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3432.
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