WSDOT releases Friday update on NB I-5 closure near Bellingham

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Officials with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) released an update today, Friday, March 27, 2026, on the continuing closure of the northbound lanes just south of Bellingham. The closure stretches from the N Lake Samish interchange (milepost 246) to the Old Fairhaven Parkway interchange (milepost 250) following landslides on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Northbound Interstate 5 remains closed south of Bellingham, while work continues seven days a week to stabilize the slope and clear debris. Weekend travelers should continue to expect delays in the area and consider alternate routes.

There is no estimate when northbound I-5 will reopen, but the Washington State Department of Transportation and its contractor are working to open lanes as quickly as it is safe to do so. WSDOT will provide another update Tuesday, March 31.

Northbound lanes have been closed since a slide Thursday night, March 19, sent more than 3,000 cubic yards of boulders, trees and other debris 60 to 80 feet down a slope toward I-5. An emergency contract was executed and contractor crews began work Saturday, March 21.

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What to expect

Northbound I-5 will remain closed, and all northbound traffic must exit at North Lake Samish Road (exit 246). Drivers may use Samish Way and merge back onto northbound I-5 at the Samish Way on-ramp (exit 252). People traveling through the area are encouraged to use alternate routes, such as State Route 11/Chuckanut Drive or SR 9.

Local streets and SR 11 are not suitable for freight traffic. Semi-trucks must follow the freight detour using eastbound SR 20 to northbound SR 9 and westbound SR 542 to rejoin northbound I-5.

Travelers should continue to expect delays on I-5. Flaggers control the intersection of the northbound I-5 off-ramp and North Lake Samish Road to prioritize traffic exiting northbound I-5 during daylight hours and improve traffic flow when volumes are heaviest. WSDOT encourages people to plan ahead, add time to their travel plans and follow the speed limits and traffic laws on the roads they are using.