Slothy Seen Ahead of Thursday I-5 NB Reopening Near Bellingham
Washington Department of Transportation crews reached a major milestone over the weekend, completing testing on all rock dowels installed to stabilize the slope.
As “Slothy” keeps watch from the trees above, northbound Interstate 5 south of Bellingham is set to reopen at 5 a.m. Thursday, April 16, pending a final inspection after weeks of landslide-related closure. (WSDOT)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — With “Slothy” the unofficial inspector looking on, northbound Interstate 5 south of Bellingham is now set to reopen at 5 a.m. Thursday, April 16, pending a final inspection after weeks of closure caused by a landslide.
Washington Department of Transportation crews reached a major milestone over the weekend, completing testing on all rock dowels installed to stabilize the slope. Officials say every anchor passed inspection, and workers have now placed the final anchor needed to secure the hillside.
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With stabilization work largely complete, crews are continuing around-the-clock operations to haul debris, clean the site, and prepare for the final inspection that will determine whether the highway can safely reopen.
Northbound I-5 remains closed at North Lake Samish Road (Exit 246) until that inspection is complete.
Final Push Before Reopening
Crews continue working 24/7 to remove remaining debris and ensure the slope is fully stabilized after the March 19 landslide. The final inspection will be the last step before traffic can return to the corridor.
Drivers should still expect delays and follow posted detours until the highway reopens.
About That Sloth
Sharp-eyed viewers may have noticed something unusual in recent site photos: a sloth.
Not a real one. This is Bellingham, after all.
Known locally as “Slothy,” the 8- to 9-foot stuffed sloth has become an unofficial mascot along this stretch of I-5. It first appeared in 2024, perched high in a tree near mile marker 249, waving to passing drivers.
Transportation crews removed it twice, citing concerns it could distract drivers. Both times, an anonymous “secret slother” put another one right back up.
In May 2025, a third version appeared even higher in the trees. Officials estimated removing it would cost around $10,000 and require a full highway closure. It stayed.
Since then, Slothy has inspired “Solidarity Slothys” at businesses across Bellingham. The original still overlooks I-5 above the same stretch of highway now at the center of the landslide closure.
It may not be part of the repair plan, but it has become a small point of levity during a long and disruptive closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is northbound I-5 open south of Bellingham?
No. Northbound I-5 remains closed south of Bellingham as of the latest update. Crews are working around the clock on slope stabilization and debris removal from the March 19 landslide.
What is the detour for northbound I-5 near Bellingham?
Freight traffic is moving via State Route 20, State Route 9, and State Route 542. Drivers should expect significant delays along the detour route.
What is the latest update on the I-5 landslide near Bellingham?
Crews are largely done with the bulk of debris removal. Several more large rocks remain on the slope. Crews drill and install steel anchors during the day and haul debris at night. Final inspection will be conducted before 5 a.m. reopening.
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