Southbound I-5 traffic had been impacted for hours today due to Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews on scene inspecting damage to the Alabama Street overpass since before noon today.
The right lane of Southbound I-5 just before Iowa in #Bellingham is blocked. Traffic getting by in left lane but it is slow going. Expect delays. pic.twitter.com/sZG7h8m9X9
— WSDOT North Traffic (@wsdot_north) March 28, 2018
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WSDOT reported an excavator on a flatbed snagged an edge of the overpass & loosened a piece of rebar.
Crews had been on-scene since before noon and it was not known how long southbound traffic will remain reduced to one lane through the area leading to concerns about the evening commute.
As of 2:30pm, the backup extended 3 miles to the Bakerview Road interchange.
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But, as this story was being written, WSDOT announced at 2:40pm, “Bridge crews have finished inspection, determined damage does not affect structural integrity of overpass, trimmed loose piece of rebar. Maintenance crews finishing cone pick-up on SB 5 at Alabama now.” They later added, “Crews will do any needed repair when traffic volumes are lower.”