WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced today, April 10, 2026, they expect to reopen all lanes of northbound I-5 south of Bellingham by about 5am on Thursday, April 16, 2026. This reopening is contingent on final evaluations by geotechnical engineers.
The interstate has been closed since a landslide on March 19, 2026, deposited debris onto the roadway. The closure is located between the N Lake Samish Road interchange at milepost 246 and Old Fairhaven Parkway (SR11) interchange at milepost 250. Specialty contractor crews have been onsite 7 days a week under an emergency contract to stabilize the slope.
“This has been complex, high-risk work that required a methodical top-down approach,” said Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. “Our focus from day one has been to reopen the highway as quickly as possible, but only when we can do so safely.”
Stabilization work includes the following:
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- Scaling loose rock by hand
- Drilling into the hillside
- Installing and grouting steel dowels to anchor the slope
- Removing unsupported rock slabs
Southbound I-5 travelers should expect a rolling slowdown at about 8am on April 12, 2026. This will allow crews to remove a loose rock on the north end of the slide area.
Crews are currently excavating debris at the base of the slope to allow for a final assessment by geotechnical engineers. If inspections identify further areas of concern, the reopening could be delayed.
Until the highway reopens, travelers are directed to continue to use alternate routes including Chuckanut Drive (SR11) and SR9. SR9 serves as the primary freight route.
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