Starting Monday, June 21, the northbound I-5 on ramp at Northwest Avenue (I-5 milepost 257) closes for two weeks for construction as part of the pedestrian and bicycle improvements project. Now is a good time to start planning alternate routes around the closure.

Crews will work Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to facilitate construction of the new road through varied elevation changes. Both north and southbound traffic on Northwest will remain open and directed by flaggers through the construction zone. To access I-5 northbound, motorists will be directed to Bakerview Road.

For two weeks following this closure, Northwest Avenue will be closed from the northbound on-ramp to the southbound off-ramp. Signed detour routes will be in place with local access only, however the City of Bellingham is requesting that those familiar with the area plan out their alternate routes now. Drivers can expect delays and are advised to find alternate routes around. Construction will continue through the summer with the work substantially completed when the road reopens.

“The closures arrive next week and drivers need to be ready,” said Project Engineer Mark Handzlik. “The last thing we want are morning commuters caught by surprise and showing up late for work because they weren’t ready for the closures.”

The city knows the closure will be an inconvenience for drivers and bicyclists, but says this is the fastest and safest way to continue the construction.

“The closures are going to be inconvenient and will add time to commutes,” said Handzlik. “However with the on-ramp, then Northwest completely closed, the contractor can get in and complete the construction significantly faster.” The completed work will provide significant safety improvements for bicycles and pedestrians as well as motorists.