BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Transportation said northbound Interstate 5, just north of Iowa Street in Bellingham, is closed because of a massive landslide Sunday morning. There were no reported injuries.
According to a post on Facebook from the WSDOT, the landslide happened just before 6 a.m. Sunday on I-5 north of Iowa Street at milepost 254 in Bellingham. A semi was stuck in the mud as a result of the incident.
Crews are on the scene working to clear debris and fix damage to barriers and walls, a spokesperson for WSDOT said. In addition to clearing debris, the jersey barrier was pushed into the southbound lanes and needed to be realigned. Additionally, geotechnical experts will evaluate slope stability at this location.
Crews are clearing an estimated 2,000 cubic yards of debris, according to WSDOT. A tow truck has been called to remove the semi-truck as of 10:15 Sunday morning. The left lane of southbound I-5 reopened.
The semi-cab had to be “unhitched from the trailer and crews needed to remove the cab and trailer separately,” according to WSDOT as of 12:30 Sunday afternoon.
There is no estimated time regarding when northbound lanes will reopen. WSDOT anticipated a 3-mile backup due to the incident.
WSP directed traffic off I-5 at Lakeway and back on at Sunset. Travelers should continue to use alternate routes, WSDOT said.
Significant rainfall has been recorded in this area, so flooding may be expected on many local roads nearby, WSDOT said.
KIRO 7 News Meteorologist Morgan Palmer said that more than 2 inches of rain fell Saturday night in Bellingham with more than 1 inch of rainfall drenching the area at 2 a.m.
“A reminder to drivers: We have water pooled over several roadways around Whatcom County from heavy rains. Do not drive through standing water and if you see a Road Closed sign, observe it. It’s there for your safety and the safety of crews who may be working on the other side. We will reopen roads as quickly and safely as we can,” WSDOT said.
A spokesperson with the WSDOT said that the area is not the same as a 2021 landslide, which was on Nulle Road.
There is no further information regarding this incident at this time.