All northbound lanes of Interstate 5 were shut down early Friday at milepost 249, just south of Bellingham, after a landslide sent debris spilling across the highway. Washington State Patrol and WSDOT crews responded to the scene and traffic was pushed onto local roads while workers moved in to clear the slide area. Drivers heading north should brace for delays and follow posted detours.
Detours and travel advice
State officials say the northbound closure is at I-5 milepost 249 and that traffic is being detoured off at North Lake Samish Drive (Exit MP 246), according to WSDOT Traffic. Drivers are urged to follow detour signs and check the WSDOT Travel Center Map for live camera views and updates while crews work to clear the roadway. Expect backups on Samish Way and nearby surface streets as traffic snakes around the closure.
Why this stretch slides
The Samish corridor south of Bellingham has a track record of slope failures during heavy rain and saturated soil, and previous incidents have shut the freeway for hours while crews hauled away debris, as detailed by Cascadia Daily News. WSDOT has ongoing slope and culvert work in the area, which crews keep a close eye on whenever storms roll through.
Washington State Patrol and WSDOT said responders were on scene working to clear debris and reopen lanes, per WSDOT Traffic. Officials have not yet given an estimated time for reopening. Drivers should steer clear of this stretch if they can and check in with WSDOT for updates before heading north on I-5. This article will be updated as agencies release more information.
