WSDOT requests nighttime noise variance for 22 nights of I-5 roadway work in Bellingham

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — According to a Bellingham City Council meeting agenda, the Bellingham City Council Public Works and Natural Resources Committee will consider a nighttime noise variance request for work on I-5 during its meeting at 1pm on November 2, 2026.

According to an agenda bill submitted by Public Works Assistant Director of Engineering Michael Wilson, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) requested relief from City of Bellingham noise ordinance requirements under Bellingham Municipal Code 10.24.120(C)(4).

The variance applies to construction activities for strategic pavement preservation work along I-5. The project includes targeted replacement of concrete panels, subgrade repair, and replacement of traffic loops between March 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027.

According to a letter from WSDOT dated September 15, 2026, the work will occur over 22 non-consecutive nights in commercial and residential areas.

According to city documents, the repair areas are located in the vicinity of Lakeway Drive, Meador Avenue, Alabama Street and East Sunset Drive. The work may include closures of I-5 that divert traffic onto city streets. Work will not occur on holidays.

Equipment identified for the work includes backhoes, movement alarms, compactors, compressors, concrete grinders, concrete mixer trucks, concrete saws, excavators, flatbed trucks, generators, jackhammers, joint sealers, light towers, curing machines, pickup trucks, power tools, vacuum sweepers and water spray trucks.

WSDOT outlined the following noise reduction measures for the project.

trucks performing export haul must have bed liners inspected and approved by the project engineer.
truck tailgate banging is prohibited and tailgates must be secured.
a copy of the noise exemption must remain at the project site at all times.

City staff recommends the council approve the variance request.