The Reconstruction of the Interstate-5 Bridge Linking Oregon to Washington is a Step Closer

The reconstruction of the aging Interstate 5 Bridge that links Oregon with Washington is one step closer to realization following a $1.5 billion allocation from the U.S. Transportation Department’s fund for major bridge projects.

This brings total federal funding to $2.1 billion, while Oregon and Washington have pledged to contribute $1 billion each.

The existing Interstate-5 Bridge crossing the Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver could collapse if an earthquake occurs, while traffic jams on the I-5 are frequently experienced when the bridge’s moveable span is lifted to allow boats on the Columbia River to pass through.

Oregon Governor Hails Federal Funding as Fantastic News

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek described the latest bridge funding as ‘fantastic news.’ Kotek says a new I-5 Bridge will promote economic growth on regional and national levels, while broadening workforce opportunities.

Kotek says the project will also move Oregon closer to meeting carbon emission reduction goals at state, regional, and national levels. The governor’s enthusiasm was echoed by Lynn Peterson, the president of the Metro Council.

Toll Gates Vociferously Opposed

However, a proposal that toll gate fees can make up the shortfall in funding for the reconstruction of the bridge has met with vociferous opposition from various quarters. Apart from opposing tolling, critics say it is unnecessary to increase the bridge’s existing three-land traffic in each direction to four lanes. Bridge designers, however, point out that the increased number of lanes will ease traffic merging.

In April last year, Clark County Council approved a resolution opposing tolling at the new I-5 Bridge, as well as at the I-205 corridors servicing the Portland metropolitan area, while Coast Guard officials believe the new bridge span is too low to allow for river traffic. This issue remains unresolved.

Two regional congressional delegates have hesitantly supported the project because of the tolling proposal. Sen. Ron Wyden, (D-Ore.) has committed his support to the project but is against tolling costs because he says many ‘Oregon motorists are already battling to make ends meet.’ Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Washington), who also represents Vancouver and the bulk of the state’s southwest, is also opposed to tolling.

But reconstruction is necessary to replace the aging bridge which currently carries more than 130,000 vehicles daily. One of the bridge spans was built in 1917, while the other was built in 1958. Officials describe both spans as vulnerable to collapse if an earthquake occurs.

The $7.5 billion price tag for the new I-5 Bridge includes several miles of freeway north and south of the bridge and, apart from the additional traffic lanes, the new bridge could also include pedestrian and bicycle lanes.