Updated: Semi-truck crash during icy road conditions blocks I-5

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Washington State Patrol (WSP) report they were dispatched about 5am, Wednesday, November 30th, to a report of a semi-truck rolled on its side and blocking both southbound lanes of I-5 near the N Lake Samish interchange. There were no reports of injuries.

Approximate location of crash and lane closures

As of 5:35am, traffic was being diverted off I-5 via the N Lake Samish interchange off-ramp and being returned to I-5 via the on-ramp. The left lane of northbound I-5 was also closed.

As of 5:50am, another semi-truck was blocking the off-ramp after becoming stuck. All southbound traffic was stopped while efforts were made to clear the off-ramp.

Scene of a rollover semi-truck crash on I-5 (November 30, 2022). Photo: Washington State Patrol

As of 6:15am, the traffic backup on southbound I-5 extended 2 miles.

Scene of a rollover semi-truck crash on I-5 (November 30, 2022). Photo: Washington State Dept. of Transportation

As of 8:45am, work continued to clear the wreckage and reopen the southbound lanes. Significant traffic impacts have developed on I-5 and nearby side roads.

WSDOT camera images from locations over 4 miles apart show southbound traffic backups.

Traffic impacts on S Samish Way are reported by Google Maps traffic view about 8:45am.

Officials with the Washington State Department of Transportation announced about 11:30am, “All southbound lanes on Interstate 5 at North Lake Samish Drive (milepost 246) in Whatcom County have reopened.”