Replacing I-5 bridge
Replacing I-5 bridge will aid drivers, displace some homeowners in WA and Oregon
The project is expected to cost roughly $6 billion. Several design options are still under consideration.
The replacement of the Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River, connecting Washington and Oregon, is a significant project expected to cost around $6 billion. The new bridge aims to reduce crashes, improve commute times, offer more transit options, and decrease air pollution. However, the construction will displace up to 43 homes and 36 businesses, and tolling to cover operational costs may disproportionately affect lower-income families. Additionally, some vessels might be too tall to pass under the new bridge, depending on the final design. The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, which details these impacts, has been released, marking a key milestone in the project. Public comments on the report are being solicited over the next 60 days to ensure community voices are heard.
The replacement of the Interstate 5 bridge between Washington and Oregon is projected to cost between $5 billion and $7.5 billion, with an estimated completion date in 2032. Federal grants of $2.1 billion have been secured, and additional funding is being pursued, including $1 billion from the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Program. Both states have committed about $1 billion each, and tolls are expected to raise $1.2 billion for construction and ongoing maintenance.
The project envisions two new bridges, one for southbound and one for northbound traffic, each with three through lanes, safety shoulders, and auxiliary lanes. The existing bridge will be removed once the new ones are completed. Additionally, a 1.9-mile light-rail extension from North Portland to Vancouver is planned.
Three bridge configurations are under consideration: a double-deck truss bridge, two single-level bridges with fixed spans, and a single-level bridge with a movable span. The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, which examines the project’s impacts, has been released for public comment. This feedback will help planners mitigate negative effects and refine the project.
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