Dakota Access Pipeline protesters blocked NB I-5 near Bellingham



BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- People protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline blocked northbound Interstate-5 for about an hour Saturday.

The protesters blocked the highway in Bellingham just before the Lakeway Dr. exit ramp about 12:30 p.m.

Washington State Department of Transportation cameras showed a sizable backup from the shutdown.

All lanes were reopened about 1:40 p.m.

No word on arrests at this time.





The Bellingham Herald says demonstrators were upset over Tuesday's decision by the federal government to grant an easement for the pipeline in North Dakota.

Bellingham is located north of Seattle near the Canadian border and is home to Western Washington University.

The $3.8 billion pipeline is intended to carry North Dakota oil to Illinois. Indian tribes argue the pipeline threatens drinking water and cultural sites.

Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners this week received approval from the Army Corps of Engineers to lay pipe under Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir.