Project news

• This project was awarded to Interwest Construction, Inc. in December 2020.
• Sign up for email updates on this and other Whatcom County highway projects.
• Construction began May 3, 2021.
• The right lane of northbound I-5 at Bakerview near milepost 257 will be closed from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Needs & benefits

WSDOT will add a second northbound I-5 on-ramp on the east side of the freeway at the Bakerview Road interchange to increase access from the eastside of the area. The existing ramp on the west side will remain for those heading northbound approaching from the west. The addition of this ramp will reduce westbound trips across the West Bakerview Road bridge. Changes to the current configuration will also provide more room for eastbound travelers.

Each day, more than 30,000 drivers use the four ramps connecting Interstate 5 and West Bakerview Road in Bellingham and studies show those numbers are expected to increase. The interchange provides access to Bellingham International Airport, industrial offices and a large shopping district.

When completed, later this fall, the addition of the ramp will improve traffic flow and reduce wait times.

What travelers can expect

• Sundays through Thursdays a single lane of northbound I-5 may be closed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. 
• There will be one 24-hour single lane closure in each direction on Bakerview Road during the project.
• The existing Bakerview on-ramp to northbound I-5 and at least one lane in each direction of Bakerview Road will remain open during construction. 

Project background and working with the community

WSDOT has partnered with the city of Bellingham for more than a decade to make improvements in this rapidly growing area. These improvements provide for more efficient access for people traveling to and from this critical crossroad in the region's transportation system. This project was included in the 2015 Connecting Washington package - a $16 billion investment to enhance the statewide transportation system and maintain critical infrastructure.

Timeline

December 2020: Advertise contract for competitive bidding.
Spring 2021: Construction scheduled to begin.
Fall 2021: Construction scheduled to be complete.