I-5 northbound fully reopened!
After a challenging few weeks of detours and delays, northbound I-5 is back open. Washington State Department of Transportation crews worked around the clock to safely restore the roadway following the landslide. We appreciate the dedication of WSDOT, along with the efforts of local and regional partners who helped manage detours, respond to community needs, and keep people moving during the closure. We also thank our community for their patience during this disruption.
This incident highlighted how closely connected our regional transportation system is and how quickly impacts can extend beyond any one jurisdiction. It reinforced the importance of strong coordination, clear communication, and shared planning across agencies. We look forward to connecting with our partner agencies to strengthen planning for future large-scale disruptions.
Council approves ordinance allowing for temporary alley closures
An ordinance that allows the City to temporarily close streets and alleys for public health and safety received third and final approval at Bellingham City Council on Monday, April 13. Later this month, we will be closing a three-block stretch of alley between Railroad Ave. and Cornwall Ave. from Holly St. to Chestnut Ave.
This is a targeted, temporary action intended to disrupt a pattern of drug activity that has made this space harmful to everyone — including the people spending time there. Learn more about the closure and our other efforts to make downtown safe and welcoming on our Downtown Forward in action webpage.
Work Zone Safety Awareness Week
Give ‘em a break: As spring brings longer days and a new construction season, we know that road work can sometimes cause delays. Join us in recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week from April 20-24. Our dedicated crews, contractors, and flaggers are out working hard to keep projects moving forward safely and efficiently. As you travel through work zones, please slow down, stay alert, and give them the space they need to do their jobs. For the latest project updates, please visit our projects website.
Last chance to take our annual Downtown Forward pulse survey
Have you had a chance to weigh in on our annual survey about downtown yet? It only takes about three minutes, and your feedback is important to helping guide our efforts downtown. The survey closes next Wednesday, April 22. Take the survey on our Downtown Forward Engage Bellingham page.
Phishing scheme targets permit applicants
Please be cautious with emails about your permit. The FBI is warning that scammers are sending fake emails to permit applicants across the country. These emails use publicly available permit information and claim you owe fees or that your permit or hearing will be delayed if you don’t pay.
The City of Bellingham’s Permit Center has received one report of this type of scam. Remember: The Permit Center will only ask you to make online payments through our eTRAKiT system.
Learn what to do if you receive a suspicious email about your permit application on our permit center webpage.
