Use Cook Road to SR 9 to reach Bellingham during the I-5 landslide closure. Crews continue slope stabilization and cleanup in Whatcom County. (Whatcom County Sheriff's Office)
WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Drivers heading to Bellingham should exit Interstate 5 at Cook Road and follow State Route 9 north, as crews continue clearing a landslide that closed the northbound lanes.
The closure, which started last week, continues to disrupt travel across Whatcom County. As a result, commuters, freight haulers and border traffic now rely on detours.
“Crews mobilized over the weekend to begin debris clearing and repairs, but NB I-5 remains closed with no estimated time to reopen,” Washington Department of Transportation said Monday. “As we head into the new week, this is your reminder to plan ahead for your commute if you usually pass through south Bellingham. SR 9, SR 11, and local routes remain the best options.”
With all northbound traffic being funneled onto Samish Road, delays have been adding up. Chuckanut Drive has reopened, but was initially closed as well last week.
Crews stabilize slope before clearing debris
WSDOT crews are working with geotechnical experts to stabilize the hillside. First, they must secure the slope. Then, they can safely remove rocks, trees and mud from the roadway.
The slide covered the northbound lanes and created unsafe conditions. Because of that risk, crews cannot begin full cleanup yet.
Officials have not released a reopening timeline.
Detours remain the best option
For now, drivers should exit at Cook Road and follow State Route 9 into Bellingham. This route remains the most reliable option for semi trucks according to officials.
However, passenger vehicles may still use alternate local roads. Conditions vary, so drivers should expect delays.
Meanwhile, freight traffic faces stricter limits.
“SR 11 and local roads are not suitable for freight,” WSDOT said.
Semi-trucks and large vehicles should not use State Route 11, also known as Chuckanut Drive, or old Highway 99 along Samish Way. These roads include sharp turns and limited visibility. In addition, they are not built for heavy loads.
Other rural routes present even greater challenges.
Deputies increase patrols along detours
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along detour routes. Deputies are focusing on speeding and congestion issues.
“Your cooperation will help keep everyone safe,” the sheriff’s office said.
As traffic shifts, drivers should slow down and stay alert. In particular, many of these roads are not designed for high traffic volumes.
Regional impacts continue
I-5 serves as the main north-south route through Whatcom County. It also connects directly to the Canadian border. Because of that, the closure continues to affect local travel and commercial traffic.
For now, officials ask drivers to remain patient.
“Please be patient. Please be kind. We’ll get through this together,” the sheriff’s office said.
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