The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that after nearly one month of work to stabilize a landslide south of Bellingham, they expect to reopen all lanes of northbound I-5 by 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, pending final evaluations by geotechnical engineers.
Since the March 19 landslide that brought thousands of cubic yards of debris onto the roadway, closing northbound I-5 between North Lake Samish Road (milepost 246) and State Route 11/Old Fairhaven Parkway (milepost 250), specialty contractor crews working for WSDOT have been onsite seven days a week under an emergency contract to stabilize the slope and clear debris so the highway can safely reopen.
With the closure now entering its fourth week, crews are beginning the final stages of stabilization work.
Crews also will complete debris removal before final inspection and, pending approval, demobilize equipment from the site. If final inspections reveal any areas we must address, the opening of northbound I-5 could be delayed.
What I-5 Travelers Should Expect
Northbound I-5 remains closed just south of Bellingham between North Lake Samish and SR 11/Chuckanut Drive. Until the highway reopens Thursday, April 16, travelers will need to continue using alternate routes like SR 11 and SR 9, with SR 9 serving as the primary freight route.
Neighbors, local businesses and travelers have all felt the effects of increased traffic on detour routes and nearby local roads. WSDOT continues to monitor conditions, receive feedback from local partners, law enforcement and the community, and will make adjustments where possible to stay responsive to community concerns as this work continues.
What’s happening on Interstate 5 RIGHT NOW! I-5 Real-time traffic information for selected cities along I-5. Maps show updates on road construction, traffic accidents, travel delays and the latest traffic speeds. Traffic cameras show congestion at a glance. Visit I-5 Traffic.
The I-5 Exit Guide is the Internet’s largest and most complete website dedicated to Interstate 5 travelers. Find detailed exit service listings… lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Washington to California!
On the road? Why not take us with you. The I-5 Exit Guide is mobile-friendly and totally FREE. No App Required.
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide, I-80 Exit Guide and I-95 Exit Guide. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit along the way!
