Northbound I-5 near North Lake Samish reopened April 15 after a March 19 landslide buried the highway under a debris field more than 250 feet wide. Crews worked seven days a week for nearly four weeks. (WSDOT)
By BRIAN HENDERSON · April 16, 2026 · PNW Daily
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A major landslide that shut down northbound Interstate 5 near Bellingham for nearly a month has been cleared, with the highway officially reopening on April 15 following an intensive emergency response effort.
“I-5 near Bellingham has reopened,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said at 4:55 p.m. Wednesday. “Our WSDOT crews and contractors have been working hard 7 days a week since the landslide in March to clear a massive amount of debris and stabilize the slope. I deeply appreciate their work in difficult conditions.”
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The slide struck on Thursday, March 19, 2026, near North Lake Samish between mileposts 248 and 249. Thousands of cubic yards of debris, including boulders, trees, and soil, rushed down a steep slope. The material covered the roadway and formed a debris field more than 250 feet wide and 100 feet tall.
Some boulders matched the size of buses. Many others exceeded the size of pickup trucks. The unstable slope and massive debris created immediate safety risks. Officials closed all northbound lanes.
Emergency Response and Stabilization
Geotechnical engineers from the Washington State Department of Transportation assessed the site on March 20. They identified ongoing risks of additional slope movement in the debris and above the slide area.
By March 21, crews developed stabilization plans and began emergency work. Contractor crews from Interwest Construction Inc., based in Burlington, started limited debris removal on March 22. Crews worked seven days a week, clearing material and reinforcing the slope to prevent further slides.
After nearly four weeks, crews stabilized the hillside and removed enough debris to reopen the highway on April 15.
“It’s been nearly 4 weeks since the March 19 slide,” WSDOT officials said. “Since then crews have stabilized the slope with 96 steel dowels and hauled enough debris to fill 2 Olympic-sized swimming pools.”
Regional Impact
This stretch of I-5 serves as a critical corridor between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. The closure disrupted commuters, freight movement, and regional commerce for nearly four weeks.
Why This Area Is Vulnerable
WSDOT officials say the area has a long history of landslides due to its geology. Maintenance crews regularly remove hazard trees, manage vegetation, and clear drainage systems to reduce risk. Crews also installed a concrete barrier along the shoulder to catch smaller slides.
However, heavy rainfall and atmospheric river events during the 2025-26 winter saturated the soil. That saturation increased the likelihood of a large-scale slope failure.
Funding and Next Steps
The state funded the emergency response and cleanup through emergency funds. WSDOT has not finalized total construction costs. Officials plan to continue monitoring the slope, and additional mitigation work may follow if conditions change.
For now, traffic flows again. The reopening restores a vital link for the Pacific Northwest after weeks of disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is northbound I-5 near Bellingham open again?
Yes. Northbound I-5 near North Lake Samish officially reopened on April 15, 2026, after being closed for nearly four weeks following a major landslide on March 19.
What caused the I-5 landslide near Bellingham?
Heavy rainfall and atmospheric river events during the 2025-26 winter saturated the soil above the highway near North Lake Samish. The area has a long history of landslides due to its geology. That combination triggered the major slope failure on March 19, 2026.
How big was the I-5 landslide debris field?
The debris field measured more than 250 feet wide and 100 feet tall. It included boulders as large as buses, trees, and thousands of cubic yards of soil and rock.
Who cleared the I-5 landslide near Bellingham?
Contractor crews from Interwest Construction Inc., based in Burlington, Washington, performed the debris removal and slope stabilization work. Crews worked seven days a week beginning March 22 under the direction of WSDOT geotechnical engineers.
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