I-5 Landslide Detours Snarl Traffic In Bellingham, Chuckanut Drive

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Traffic pressure from the ongoing Interstate 5 closure south of Bellingham is now spilling onto alternate routes, triggering backups, signal issues, and at least one collision along State Route 11. Drivers navigating the Chuckanut Drive detour faced major delays Tuesday after a crash near the Samish Bay viewpoint temporarily blocked southbound lanes and forced alternating traffic in both directions.

Collision Adds To Already Heavy Detour Traffic

According to WSDOT North, the crash occurred just north of the Samish Bay Viewpoint at milepost 13, a key choke point for drivers rerouting around the I-5 landslide zone. The collision initially blocked all southbound lanes, prompting emergency crews to implement alternating traffic control, which quickly created long backups in both directions. Eventually, crews cleared the scene, though delays lingered as congestion continued to ripple through the corridor.

City Streets Overwhelmed By Detour Volume

At the same time, local streets in Bellingham are now absorbing a surge of diverted freeway traffic. Drivers report that Old Samish Way, Yew Street, and Lincoln Street have become bottlenecks as signal timing struggles to keep up with demand.

One driver described waiting through extended red lights even with no cross traffic. Others reported backups stretching past key intersections, including Yew Street near Lake Padden. In some cases, it took drivers up to 45 minutes to travel a single mile near Fairhaven Middle School along the Chuckanut route.

Signal Timing Under Scrutiny

Although some drivers believe signal timing has been adjusted, frustration remains high. Several commuters say lights are now holding longer cycles, likely to manage increased traffic loads. Still, many argue the changes are not enough to handle the volume the I-5 closure has created. As a result, intersections that typically handle neighborhood traffic are now functioning like major arterial crossings.

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Drivers Share Workarounds As Delays Continue

With congestion worsening, some locals are turning to side streets to bypass major backups. One commonly suggested route includes turning right on 48th Street near Lake Padden, then reconnecting to Lincoln Street to avoid the worst of the traffic. However, drivers should use caution — these residential routes include lower speed limits and increased pedestrian activity, especially near schools.

What To Expect Next

Traffic impacts will likely continue as long as northbound I-5 remains closed for landslide stabilization work south of Bellingham. Drivers should expect extended delays on SR 11, heavy congestion on Samish Way and surrounding streets, and increased travel times through the Fairhaven and Lake Padden corridors. Planning alternate routes and allowing extra travel time remains critical.

Slope Stabilization Work Slows Reopening Timeline

According to WSDOT North, crews have begun drilling into the hillside and installing rock dowels to stabilize the slope above I-5 following the March 19 landslide. Geotechnical teams continuously evaluate hillside conditions and adjust the plan in real time — a level of precision necessary to prevent another collapse, but one that means progress will take time. Northbound I-5 remains closed south of Bellingham as this work continues. PNW Daily will update this story as new information becomes available.