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Crews Work to Clear Massive Landslide Blocking I-5 Near Bellingham
Stabilization efforts and debris removal could take weeks as drivers face lengthy delays on detours
Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:39am
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A massive landslide has blocked northbound I-5 near Bellingham, Washington since March 19, with WSDOT crews working seven days a week to clear an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 tons of debris. The slide has created lengthy delays for drivers, who are being rerouted onto local roads not suitable for heavy freight traffic.
Why it matters
The I-5 corridor is a critical transportation artery for both passenger and commercial traffic in the Pacific Northwest. This closure is causing significant disruptions, with local businesses and residents along the detour routes also impacted by the increased congestion and delays.
The details
The landslide, which occurred on March 19, has left a debris field more than 250 feet wide, with some boulders as large as buses. WSDOT crews are working to stabilize the slope using steel valves and remove the massive amounts of material blocking the highway. However, there is currently no timeline for when northbound I-5 will reopen, as the work can only be done during daylight hours due to safety concerns.
- The landslide occurred on March 19, 2026.
- WSDOT crews have been working seven days a week since the incident to clear the debris.
The players
WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation, the agency responsible for maintaining and repairing the state's transportation infrastructure.
David Rasbach
A WSDOT spokesperson who has provided updates on the agency's efforts to clear the landslide.
Henry Colvin
A local business owner in Bellingham who has heard from customers about the delays caused by the detours.
What they’re saying
“I have people coming in, they mention how they made the mistake of hopping on Samish and trying to get to work and it really slows them down.”
— Henry Colvin, Business owner
“What we're trying to do is stabilize the slope, and then we're going to start using some steel valves to further secure the slopes, so that we can continue the clearing process there.”
— David Rasbach, WSDOT spokesperson
What’s next
WSDOT has said crews will continue working seven days a week to clear the debris, but there is no definitive timeline for when northbound I-5 will reopen. The department has advised drivers to expect delays and consider using alternative routes like SR 9 and SR 11 in the meantime.
The takeaway
This landslide closure on a critical transportation corridor is causing significant disruptions for both passenger and commercial traffic in the region. The extensive cleanup efforts required highlight the challenges of maintaining infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events, and the importance of having reliable alternate routes available when major highways are blocked.
