I-5 Near Bellingham to Reopen After Landslide Cleanup

Northbound lanes expected to open by April 16 as crews work to clear debris and stabilize slope.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a winding highway cutting through a rugged, fog-shrouded mountainous terrain, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.The reopening of I-5 near Bellingham marks the end of a month-long effort to restore a critical transportation artery in the face of nature's raw power.Bellingham Today

After nearly a month of emergency cleanup efforts, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced that the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 near Bellingham, Washington will reopen by 5 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, pending final safety evaluations. A major landslide on March 19 had forced the closure of the highway between North Lake Samish Road and State Route 11.

Why it matters

The closure of a key section of I-5 has caused significant disruptions for drivers in the region, requiring them to use alternate routes such as State Route 11 and State Route 9. The reopening of the highway will restore a critical transportation artery and ease the burden on local roads.

The details

Contractor crews have been working seven days a week under an emergency contract to stabilize the slope and clear the thousands of cubic yards of debris that covered the northbound lanes of I-5. WSDOT Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith stated that the focus has been on reopening the highway as quickly as possible, but only when it can be done safely.

  • The landslide occurred on March 19, 2026.
  • Northbound I-5 is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and operating the transportation infrastructure in Washington, including Interstate 5.

Julie Meredith

The Secretary of Transportation for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

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What they’re saying

“This has been complex, high-risk work that required a methodical top-down approach. Our focus from day one has been to reopen the highway as quickly as possible, but only when we can do so safely.”

— Julie Meredith, Secretary of Transportation

What’s next

Geotechnical engineers will conduct final safety evaluations before the northbound lanes of I-5 are officially reopened on April 16.

The takeaway

The successful reopening of I-5 near Bellingham after a major landslide highlights the importance of WSDOT's emergency response efforts and the agency's commitment to restoring critical transportation infrastructure in a timely and safe manner.