WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Governor Bob Ferguson issued statements today, Saturday, March 21, 2026, regarding the status of the closure of the northbound lanes of I-5.
Ferguson said work was underway on an emergency contract to hire a contractor to clear the debris from the roadway.
WSDOT said geotechnical engineers have been onsite and are forming a plan to stabilize the slope. Emergency work to clear the roadway cannot begin until the slope is stabilized.
Northbound traffic continues to be diverted at the N Lake Samish Drive off-ramp at exit 246.
WSDOT issued a press release statement shortly after 5pm.
Click for more information
Click for more information
Contractor crews will begin moving equipment to the area Saturday, March 21, and expect to begin clearing trees and debris Sunday, March 22. A full geotechnical engineering report on the area is expected to be finalized early next week.
Until further notice, northbound I-5 will remain closed, and all northbound traffic will need to exit at North Lake Samish Road.
People traveling through the area are encouraged to use alternate routes, such as SR 11 or SR 9. Freight traffic is reminded that local roads and SR 11 are not suitable for semi-trucks.
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