Closures and bypass lanes coming to I-5 in Bellingham for pair of WSDOT projects
Two Interstate 5 construction projects will require delays and closures in and around Bellingham starting the evening of Friday, Aug. 15. The two projects are related to the removal of several barriers for fish passage and paving maintenance through Bellingham, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Northbound I-5 south of Bellingham
Delays are expected to start at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 near North Lake Samish Drive.
The delays will be a result of a shift to a two-lane bypass in the median of I-5, according to WSDOT. The shift to the bypass lanes will be completed by 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. The release does not state how long the bypass lanes will be used.
As part of a three-year project to remove barriers on fish passages along I-5, WSDOT is temporarily closing lanes and ramps and instituting rolling slowdowns to give contractor crews room to work, according to a WSDOT news release.
The speed limit will be temporarily reduced to 50 mph on the median bypass lanes.
Overnight lane closures on I-5 in Bellingham
There will be alternating overnight lane closures along I-5 between Guide Meridian, Sunset Drive and Northwest Avenue from Sunday night through Thursday morning for paving maintenance.
Maintenance will begin with the closure of the right lane of southbound I-5 at 8 p.m. Sunday between the Guide Meridian and Sunset Drive exits. The road will reopen at 5 a.m. Monday.
The next closure will be in the left lane of southbound I-5 in the same stretch from 8 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday.
From 10 p.m. Tuesday until 5 a.m. Wednesday, all northbound lanes between Sunset Drive and Guide Meridian will be closed.
All southbound I-5 lanes between Northwest Avenue and Guide Meridian will be closed starting at 10 p.m. Wednesday. They will reopen at 5 a.m. Thursday.
WSDOT said people traveling overnight through Bellingham should expect delays and seek alternate routes.
This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 11:29 AM.
.jpg)