WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — An analysis of crash data and official reports from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Washington State Patrol (WSP) sheds light on the frequent blocking crashes occurring on I-5 through Bellingham and Ferndale that are becoming a persistent disruption for local commuters
According to the data, total crash volumes have not risen significantly over the last decade. But the locations of most of the crashes are relatively localized.
Bellingham
WSDOT’s I-5 Operations and Demand Management Analysis identifies the primary structural cause in Bellingham as “weaving” (lane changes) rather than capacity overload (heavy traffic). The agency notes that the 60mph stretch through Bellingham contains 7 interchanges in 8 miles, a density that encourages “short-tripping” — drivers using I-5 for local trips under 3 miles—which creates constant merging conflicts.
According to WSP, driver behavior remains the leading factor in collision severity. Troopers cite speed, following too closely, and distracted driving as the most common causes of crashes in the corridor. Contrary to common assumptions regarding our often dark and rainy weather, the data indicates the highest volume of collisions occur during clear weather conditions, when drivers are more likely to travel at higher speeds.
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Data drawn from the WSP Collision Analysis Tool highlights a correlation between high-volume hours and crash frequency. In the first 9 months of 2024, over 200 crashes were reported on the 10-mile stretch between Old Fairhaven Parkway and Slater Road. Approximately 70% of these incidents occurred between 12pm and 6pm, confirming that the density of vehicles during the afternoon exacerbates the weaving issues identified by state engineers. Conversely, the overnight hours of midnight to 6am accounted for only a small fraction of the total incidents.
There has been some discussion about installing ramp meters, a type of traffic signal, to regulate the rate at which vehicles enter the interstate. It is hoped use of ramp meters can minimize collisions while decreasing travel times. According to WSDOT, “A short wait on the ramp allows drivers to increase their average highway speed and shorten overall highway travel times. Ramp meters also decrease the potential for collisions, by up to 30 percent, that often occur when multiple vehicles merge onto the highway at the same time.”
There currently does not appear to be an effort to employ ramp meters in the Bellingham corridor.
The analysis distinguishes between the types of crashes seen in Bellingham versus Ferndale. Bellingham’s high interchange density leads primarily to rear-end collisions and sideswipes caused by merging traffic at on ramps like Sunset Drive and Iowa Street. In contrast, the Ferndale section sees higher-speed collisions due to the straighter roadway alignment.
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Ferndale
Data for crashes between the Main Street interchange and the Grandview Road interchange are lower than the Bellingham section of I-5. But the fatality rate has been historically higher reportedly due to the higher speed limit (70mph vs 60mph).
A relatively new compact single-lane roundabout built in 2018 at the I-5 northbound on- and off-ramps and Portal Way has been blamed for a recent increase in northbound I-5 blocking and often injury crashes in the area immediately south of the Portal Way off-ramp.
During times of heavy northbound traffic, motorists exiting at Portal Way have struggled to get through the roundabout and exiting traffic begins backing up. This back up can extend onto the I-5 main line lanes. Immediately south of the back is the Main Street interchange and traffic attempting to enter I-5 northbound traffic can encounter this backup.
The combination of the traffic backup from the Portal Way roundabout, the traffic attempting to merge onto I-5 from Main Street and northbound traffic attempting to exit at Portal Way has created a significant hazard.
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A number of rear-end collisions have occurred in the miles-long traffic back-ups that frequently follow blocking crashes during high-volume times. This makes it appear that those locations near the Smith Road and Slater Road overpasses are problematic.
About 2 years ago, the City of Ferndale determined the need to improve the roundabout needed to be accomplished quicker than it appeared WSDOT could get it down and began undertaking the project. During recent Ferndale City Council meetings, draft design drawings have been presented and tentative timelines mentioned regarding the project.
According to the initial draft information provided, plans are to upgrade the roundabout from 1 to 2 lanes except for eastbound traffic on Portal Way. The 2 lanes will continue under the I-5 overpass with a dedicated right turn only lane taking traffic to the I-5 southbound on-ramp. Lighting and a new sidewalk are also expected to be installed. The project also includes a number of ancillary projects involving underground city infrastructure.
Initially, it was hoped building the roundabout could begin in 2026. There is no confirmation of that according to the recent City Council meeting presentations.
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