Skagit PUD commissioners approved an agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for painting of the utility's water pipeline attached to the Division Street bridge in downtown Mount Vernon. The $382,294 project will coordinate with WSDOT's rehabilitation of the state Route 536 bridge.

Critical Infrastructure Maintenance

The PUD operates a 12-inch ductile-iron water pipeline that crosses the Skagit River, supported by the Division Street bridge. Installed in 1997, the pipeline has never been recoated since its installation.

"The crossing is a critical piece of the PUD's infrastructure serving west Mount Vernon and further west," Engineering Manager Mark Handzlik said. "When the interties with Anacortes are active, it also provides a pathway for water to flow east."

WSDOT's bridge rehabilitation will involve removing and applying a new coat of paint. The work will be extensive and involve encapsulation of sections where work is occurring.

Making the Most of Required Work

As a franchisee within the WSDOT right-of-way, the PUD has limited rights during state construction. "The terms of the franchise agreement require the PUD to make all relocations necessary to accommodate the DOT's construction," Handzlik said. At minimum, this would require the PUD to temporarily relocate pipe hangers so WSDOT could sandblast and paint the bridge while protecting the PUD's pipe from sandblasting.

"These are both costly ventures with no benefit," Handzlik noted.

By coordinating with WSDOT's project, the PUD will protect and maintain this critical river crossing while meeting franchise requirements — turning an obligation into an infrastructure improvement opportunity.