Jordan Longacre, WSDOT communications, 206-440-4479

Next week crews will begin prepping the SR 20 bridges on north Whidbey Island for sandblasting and painting

OAK HARBOR – A new contractor will begin the final phase of critical preservation work on two of Washington’s historic bridges on Monday, Feb. 8.

The Washington State Department of Transportation signed a completion agreement with Cekra, Inc. from Wilmington, N.C. to resume sandblasting and painting on the State Route 20 Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges. This multi-year project to preserve these iconic structures began in 2019. The cold wet winter had recently put the work on hold.

Noisy work

Weather permitting, loud sandblasting work begins in March, and will occur 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Crews will spend several months removing old paint and adding a fresh coat, which will protect the steel from corrosion.

Travelers to Deception Pass State Park should expect noise levels similar to a rock concert both on and near the bridges. Park staff will have free earplugs available. Caretakers should consider packing ear protection for children.

Overnight lane closures and limited parking The highway across the bridge and at least one walkway will remain open during construction. Nighttime work, between the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Saturdays through Thursdays, will at times require traffic to alternate through a single lane. This will give crews space to safely move equipment and materials. There are no plans for night work on Fridays and no lane closures scheduled during holiday weekends.

Parking near the highway is limited. Many of the usual parking turnouts along SR 20 are taken up by construction equipment.

To prevent back-ups on the highway, visitors can access the bridge by entering the park at Cornet Bay Road and following signs and trail information at the North Beach parking lot. Travelers looking for unique bridge views can also use the entrance north of the bridge, off Rosario Road, to access Lighthouse Point.

Deception Pass State Park

The 3,854-acre Deception Pass State Park includes marine and camping areas with saltwater and freshwater shorelines on three lakes. The park is located on three islands — Fidalgo to the north, Pass Island in the middle and Whidbey to the south. Canoe Pass and Deception Pass bridges connect the islands, creating a gateway for exploration. Visitors can find more information, including trip planning resources, on the park’s website.