Southbound I-5 reopens hours later in Ferndale after deadly multi-vehicle crash
Jan 20, 2026, 5:48 PM | Updated: 9:29 pm
Troopers respond to a multi-vehicle crash in Ferndale. (Photo courtesy of WSP)
(Photo courtesy of WSP)
Southbound I-5 was entirely blocked for hours in Ferndale after a deadly multi-vehicle crash occurred.
Backups reached more than two miles long, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), with traffic peaking at approximately 6 p.m.
Just after 9 p.m., I-5 fully reopened.
UPDATE: Southbound I-5 remains closed in Ferndale near Main St (MP 262). Backups continue to exceed 2 miles.
There is no ETA when southbound traffic will reopen. Please consider alternate routes. https://t.co/G4uoxGs87O
— WSDOT North (@wsdot_north) January 21, 2026
🚨SB I5 between Main St and Slater Rd (MP260-262) is fully blocked for a multi-vehicle fatality collision. Use alternate routes as there is no ETA for the roadway to reopen. Please be patient while troopers on scene investigate this tragic collision. pic.twitter.com/KWujhwWdJq
— Trooper Kelsey Harding (@wspd7pio) January 21, 2026
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.

