BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A second northbound I-5 on-ramp on the east side of the freeway at the W Bakerview Road interchange opened to drivers today, November 5th. It is accessible to drivers heading westbound on W Bakerview Road.
An existing on-ramp on the west side of the interchange will remain for those drivers traveling eastbound on W Bakerview Road.
Officials with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) say the on-ramp was built to increase access for drivers coming from the east, thus reducing westbound trips across the W Bakerview Road overpass.
Corresponding changes to the lane configuration on the overpass provides more room for eastbound travelers according to WSDOT.
Construction of the ramp began in May. WSDOT officials said the existing on-ramp from the west side of I-5 was built with the overpass in 1975 due to expectations that W Maplewood Avenue would become a heavily traveled main arterial.