UPDATE: New Skagit River Bridge opens

The new permanent replacement span over the Skagit River has reopened — nearly seven hours later than originally planned.

The state Department of Transportation said the new north span was opened to traffic just before 2 p.m. Sunday, much later than the expected 7 a.m. opening. The open was delayed initially because the cutting of steel plates to secure the new permanent bridge took longer than expected, says DOT.