Several State Highways in Whatcom and Skagit Counties Closed due to Flooding

State Route 9 in Sumas as captured by WSDOT camera at Johnson Creek – WSDOT photo

BURLINGTON – Record rainfall caused flooding in several parts of Whatcom and Skagit counties, forcing closures of several state highways. Washington State Department of Transportation crews worked through the weekend and continue to work to clear fallen trees and rockslides, but in some areas such as along State Route 20 between Cascadia Farms (MP 98) to Thornton Creek Road (MP 120) there is up to 3 feet of water over the roadway, prompting crews to close the highway.

What drivers should do:

• If you don’t need to be out on the roads, please stay home, at the request of local jurisdictions.
• “Turn around, don’t drown.” Do not drive through standing water on the roadway. Not only is it difficult to tell the condition of the road is underneath the water, it only takes 6 inches of water on the roadway for vehicles to stall and 12 inches of water to carry a vehicle off the roadway.
• Observe all “Road Closed” signs – they are put in place for your safety.
• Be alert. WSDOT crews, public works, emergency responders and utility crews are working to clear and reopen roads as quickly and safely as possible. 

Major closures of state highways in Whatcom and Skagit counties include:

Interstate 5

• Northbound at Nulle Road (MP 244).
• Northbound off-ramp to Iowa Street (MP 253.6).
• Northbound and southbound off-ramp to SR 539 Guide Meridian (MP 256).

State Route 9

• Northbound and southbound from Sumas Avenue (MP 96.86) to the Canadian border crossing (MP 98.86).
• Northbound and southbound from just south of Wickersham Street (MP 66) to Siper Road (MP 85).
• Northbound and southbound at Hathaway Road (MP 63).

State Route 11

• Northbound and southbound at Allen West Road (MP 2.9).

State Route 20

• Eastbound and westbound from Cascadia Farms (MP 98) to Thornton Creek Road (MP 120).

State Route 530

• Eastbound and westbound at Martin Road (MP 67).
• Eastbound and westbound at Illabot Creek Road (MP 65).

State Route 539

• Northbound just north of Kelly Road (MP 2.47) the right lane is closed.

State Route 542

• Eastbound and westbound from State Route 9 at Nugent’s Corner (MP 10)  to just west of Central Road (MP 33).

State Route 544

• Eastbound and westbound from Kale Street (MP 7.24) to Robinson Street (MP 6.80).

State Route 546

• Eastbound and westbound from Bender Road (MP 2.01) to Vinup Road (MP 2.53).
• Eastbound and westbound at Trapline Road (MP 6.05).
• Eastbound and westbound at Van Buren Road (MP 7).

State Route 547

• Eastbound and westbound from just south of Bishop Road (MP 8.2) to Telegraph Road, near Sumas (MP 8.9).

What’s next:

WSDOT crews are clearing debris including fallen trees and rockslides as it is safe to do so. In many places, crews are not able to assess the roadway until after the water recedes, which may be days from now.  In the meantime, WSDOT continues to coordinate efforts with local partners, including facilitating SR 20 and SR 542 emergency closure task force meetings and participating in the emergency operations response efforts of Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Find information about local road closures visit Public Works | Whatcom County, WA – Official Website and Skagit County Public Works Road Closures.

The National Weather Service provides updated weather alerts including information about flooding. 

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.