Holiday Travel Surges at Whatcom County Border Crossings

BLAINE, Wash. — Anyone planning to cross into Canada through Whatcom County this Fourth of July weekend should prepare for long waits, heavy Interstate 5 traffic and increased law enforcement patrols as one of the busiest travel weekends of the summer gets underway.

Traffic was already backing up Friday afternoon approaching the Peace Arch crossing, with northbound I-5 slowing in Blaine as thousands of travelers headed toward British Columbia.

This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County.

The combination of the U.S. Independence Day holiday, Canada’s ongoing summer travel season, Mariners home games against the Toronto Blue Jays, ferry traffic to Vancouver Island and thousands of weekend travelers is expected to keep border crossings busy through Monday.

Expect Long Delays at Whatcom County Crossings

The busiest Whatcom County ports of entry are expected to include:

• Peace Arch (Blaine)
• Pacific Highway Truck Crossing (Blaine)
• Lynden/Aldergrove Crossing
• Sumas/Abbotsford Crossing

While Peace Arch traditionally handles the highest number of passenger vehicles, travelers may also consider checking wait times at Lynden or Sumas before departing, as delays can vary throughout the day.

Commercial truck traffic will also remain heavy at the Pacific Highway crossing.

Friday and Sunday Will Be the Busiest Days

According to WSDOT’s holiday travel forecasts, northbound traffic from Bellingham to the Canadian border reaches its highest congestion:

• Friday (July 3): Approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday (July 4): Around 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday (July 5): Nearly continuous heavy congestion from about 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Monday (July 6): Congestion peaks between roughly 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Southbound traffic returning from Canada is also expected to be heavy:

• Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday: Late morning through early afternoon.
• Sunday: Heavy traffic from about 9 a.m. into the evening.
• Monday: Morning through late afternoon as travelers return home.

WSDOT notes that once traffic reaches roadway capacity, even a minor crash or disabled vehicle can create significant backups.

Current Conditions Already Showing Delays

By early Friday afternoon, WSDOT traffic cameras showed a long queue of vehicles on northbound I-5 approaching the D Street interchange in Blaine, with traffic backed up well before drivers reached the Peace Arch border crossing.

Officials expect congestion to continue building throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Plan Ahead Before Heading North

WSDOT encourages travelers to:

• Check border wait times before leaving.
• Monitor live traffic cameras.
• Leave earlier in the morning or travel later in the evening when possible.
• Allow extra travel time.
• Have alternate routes and crossings in mind.

Travelers should also expect heavier-than-normal traffic around Vancouver-area ferry terminals as many British Columbians begin weekend trips.

WSP: Drive Sober This Holiday Weekend

The Washington State Patrol is increasing enforcement throughout the holiday weekend, with troopers focusing on impaired driving, excessive speed and aggressive driving.

“There is never an excuse to drive under the influence. Let’s make sure everyone in Washington can celebrate responsibly. Drive Safe. Drive Sober. Make it to the fireworks.”

Trooper Katherine Weatherwax, Washington State Patrol

“There is never an excuse to drive under the influence,” Trooper Katherine Weatherwax said Friday. “Let’s make sure everyone in Washington can celebrate responsibly. Drive Safe. Drive Sober. Make it to the fireworks.”

Troopers also remind drivers to:

• Buckle up.
• Put away distractions.
• Slow down in heavy traffic.
• Never drive impaired.

Seattle Drivers Should Expect Closures

Travelers heading toward Seattle for Fourth of July fireworks should also expect several temporary I-5 ramp closures beginning around 10 p.m. Saturday, including:

• Northbound I-5 to Mercer Street
• Northbound I-5 to Lakeview Boulevard
• Southbound I-5 to Boylston Avenue
• Southbound I-5 to Mercer Street

The closures are designed to help manage traffic after the fireworks show at Gas Works Park.

Ferry, Train and Bridge Travelers Also Should Plan Ahead

Washington State Ferries expects heavier vehicle traffic through Monday, especially for travelers returning from islands.

Drivers crossing the state on Interstate 90 will benefit from all four lanes being open across the Vantage Bridge through Tuesday before construction restrictions resume.

Amtrak Cascades is also expecting increased passenger volumes between Eugene, Seattle, Bellingham and Vancouver, British Columbia.

A Busy Weekend Across the Pacific Northwest

With holiday celebrations, cross-border travel, sporting events and summer tourism all converging this weekend, transportation officials say patience will be key.

Whether traveling to Canada, the Washington coast, the Cascades or Seattle, travelers should expect delays, monitor traffic conditions and leave plenty of extra time to reach their destination safely.

Frequently Asked Questions