Editor’s note: This article will be updated as new information comes in from WSDOT/Washington State Patrol. Last updated: March 23 at 2:20 p.m.
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Two landslides have blocked all lanes on northbound I-5 just south of Bellingham, with no estimated time of reopening.
As of the morning of March 20, WSDOT is estimating 2,000 to 3,000 cubic yards of material is blocking the lanes of northbound I-5. The department also mentions that the average WSDOT dump truck carries 16 cubic yards at one time.
Traffic heading into Bellingham will be diverted at the North Lake Samish exit (exit 246). This diverted route is not suitable for freight traffic.
Anyone else traveling in the area is being advised to take alternate routes such as Highway 9 or Highway 11 to avoid major congestion at the North Lake Samish detour.
This is still no estimated date for reopening, but WSDOT says it will provide more updates about the repair plan and timeline by Wednesday, March 25.
WSDOT says geotechnical engineers have been alerted to the situation and “likely will evaluate the area in the AM.”
The landslides occurred in the late evening hours on Thursday, March 19 and have caused a full closure of the northbound lanes heading into Bellingham.
One landslide occurred near milepost 248 with a second fully blocking I-5 near milepost 249.
All traffic heading northbound on I-5 is being diverted at the North Lake Samish exit (exit 246).
According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding, response crews are at the scene.
WSDOT is alerting drivers to use alternate routes at this time.
Farther south in Skagit County, a landslide caused a blockage of both directions of SR 11 just north of Oyster Creek (mp 12). This has since been cleared and reopened.
Check the WSDOT website for real-time updates by clicking here.
