SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A long-term closure is bringing a lengthy detour to Skagit County.

WSDOT says that Highway 9 will be closed in both directions near Mount Vernon Big Lake Road starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Crews will be installing a new box culvert in an area that previously blocked fish migration.

A detour will be in place, though for some travelers it could add up to an extra 25 miles to their trip.

The road is expected to fully reopen around 6 a.m. next Wednesday, Aug. 19.