College Way Road Surface Concerns

We are aware of the ongoing and long-standing concerns about the condition of College Way (State Route 538) in Mount Vernon and we recognize the impact this has on those driving. While College Way is a state-owned route, the City is actively seeking clarity from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on when and how the corridor will be addressed. We have asked for a clear plan and timeline and will share updates as the information becomes available.

WSDOT's Response to the City

Received: February 5, 2026

Hello Mayor Donovan,

Thank you for reaching out and for continuing to raise concerns about the condition of College Way (State Route 538). We understand how visible and frustrating the pavement deterioration is for residents and visitors.

You are correct that SR 538 is a state highway, and responsibility for its preservation rests with WSDOT. We also recognize the reality that there is a point at which pavement condition declines more rapidly and eventually goes beyond the ability of maintenance repairs and overlays to preserve the road.

Here is where things currently stand on SR 538:

• WSDOT recently began the pre-design phase for a paving project on SR 538 from Leigh Way Vicinity to SR 9 (milepost 0.53 to 3.62). The project is currently programmed for construction in the 2029 season.
• In the interim, portions of SR 538 have received targeted investment. A segment east of Urban Avenue to east of Leigh Way was included in the Northwest Region Emergency Pavement Repair Project, which addressed 88 locations across 23 communities in 2023.
• Our maintenance crews will continue to closely monitor this corridor and respond to issues that require immediate repair to maintain safety and reliability. 

Preservation funding statewide meets less than half of the identified need, which means this segment of SR 538 must compete with other corridors across Washington that are also experiencing significant deterioration. I know this is frustrating. Please know that it does not diminish the concerns in Mount Vernon, but it does reflect the funding realities we are operating within. 

We remain committed to working with the City of Mount Vernon, law enforcement, and regional partners on operational and safety strategies while longer-term solutions are pursued. WSDOT shares many of the priorities outlined in the Skagit Regional Transportation Plan, including preservation, safety, and stewardship.

We would welcome the opportunity to brief you and the City Council directly on the current plan, funding constraints, and what to expect moving forward. We are available to attend a City Council meeting or the Public Works Committee meeting, depending on your preference and timing.

Note that I have added Melissa Ambler and David Rasbach to this email. Melissa has replaced Chris Damitio as our Assistant Regional Administrator in the Mount Baker Area including Skagit County and Mount Vernon. It is her team that will be leading the pre-design, design and construction administration on the SR538 preservation project. David is our communications lead in the area. Feel free to reach out to me or the local team through Melissa and David any time that you have questions or concerns.

Thank you again for your advocacy on behalf of your community. We look forward to continuing this conversation and working together as we navigate these challenges.

Respectfully,

Brian Nielsen, PE

Regional Administrator

Northwest Region

WA State Department of Transportation

Report What You See!

Are you experiencing State Route 538 (College Way) road surface concerns? Contact WSDOT Public Affairs to report them!

1. Take photos of the issue
2. Provide a specific location (give cross streets and approximate distance)
3. Email your concerns and the photo/location you gathered to nwpublicaffairs@wsdot.wa.gov and cc mvengineering@mountvernonwa.gov

Who Maintains State Route 538 (SR 538/College Way)?

WSDOT's Northwest Region Office is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of SR 538 (College Way.) While pavement preservation is an ongoing priority statewide, funding provided by the Legislature is limited and requires WSDOT to prioritize projects based on factors such as traffic studies, peak traffic concerns, speed studies, posted speeds, and truck volumes. When compared with other state routes in the region, SR 538 currently ranks low for preservation funding and overall funding for the Northwest Region remains especially constrained. WSDOT monitors pavement quality, and if the safety of travel is impacted, WSDOT crews will certainly address those spot locations as needed.

In late 2025, WSDOT began the pre-design phase for a paving project on SR 538 from the vicinity of Leigh Way to SR 9 (milepost 0.53 to 3.62). The project is currently programmed for construction in the 2029 season.