Aggressive Driving On I-5 Landslide Detours Prompts Patrols
Transportation officials confirmed Friday that the closure at North Lake Samish Road (Exit 246) will remain in effect as crews focus on anchoring the hillside and managing ongoing risks above the roadway.
Northbound Interstate 5 is closed at North Lake Samish Road (Exit 246), south of Bellingham.
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Northbound Interstate 5 remains closed south of Bellingham following the March 19 landslide, with crews continuing stabilization work into the weekend and no reopening timeline in place.
“I appreciate our WSDOT crews and contractors working hard to stabilize the slope so we can reopen I-5 near Bellingham,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said Friday. “To those who rely on this road, thanks for your patience.”
Gov Ferguson joined Washington Department of Transportation and county officials and warning Easter weekend drivers to expect delays and consider using alternate routes like SR 11 and SR 9.
“A reminder that freight and large vehicles should exit I-5 north at Cook Road for SR 9,” Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said Friday. “Semi-trucks should not take SR 11 (Chuckanut Drive) or old 99 (Samish Way): those roadways are not designed for heavy loads or large vehicles.”
Sponsor Message: This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County. Learn more at CrashLaw.NET.
Transportation officials confirmed Friday that the closure at North Lake Samish Road (Exit 246) will remain in effect as crews focus on anchoring the hillside and managing ongoing risks above the roadway.
“WCSO deputies are increasing patrols along detour routes to address speeding and other traffic concerns,” the sheriff’s department warned. “Your cooperation will help keep everyone safe.”
Crews Expand Drilling Operations On Slope
Crews ramped up efforts this week by adding a third drill wagon to the site. More than 700 lineal feet have now been drilled to install steel dowels designed to stabilize the slope.
Those 15- to 25-foot dowels are being placed in a geotechnically engineered pattern to secure unstable sections of the hillside. Geotechnical teams continue reassessing conditions and adjusting plans as work progresses.
“Bus-Sized” Boulder And Debris Still Slowing Work
Crews continue breaking apart large debris at the base of the slide, including the “bus-sized” boulder that required multiple rounds of expansive grout and excavation earlier this week.
Given its size and density, that process is expected to continue in phases before the material can be fully removed and underlying conditions assessed.
Traffic Adjustments And Detours In Place
Alongside slope work, crews have made changes to improve traffic flow around the closure. A flagger has been added on Lincoln Street to help manage vehicles merging onto northbound I-5 at Exit 252 and reduce congestion backing up along Samish Way.
Freight traffic continues to follow a designated detour route:
Freight Detour Route
State Route 20
State Route 9
State Route 542
Avoid Chuckanut Drive (SR 11) and Old Highway 99 — safety and capacity concerns
What Happens Next
Slope stabilization must be completed and conditions beneath the debris field assessed before crews can determine when northbound lanes can safely reopen. Until then, northbound I-5 will remain closed at Exit 246.
PNW Daily will update this story as new information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the I-5 closure?
Northbound Interstate 5 is closed at North Lake Samish Road (Exit 246), south of Bellingham, Washington.
Why is I-5 still closed near Bellingham?
Crews are drilling and installing steel dowels to stabilize the slope while removing large debris, including a bus-sized boulder, at the base of the March 19 landslide.
What changed in the latest update?
Crews added a third drill wagon and have now drilled more than 700 lineal feet for slope stabilization. A flagger was also added at Lincoln Street to improve traffic flow at Exit 252.
When will northbound I-5 reopen near Bellingham?
There is no estimated reopening timeline. Crews must complete slope stabilization and assess conditions beneath the debris field before northbound lanes can safely reopen.
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