Another grant of $1.49 billion will boost to $2.1 billion the federal commitment to a replacement for the Interstate 5 Bridge spanning the Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver.
The announcement was made Friday, July 11, by the Oregon congressional delegation. The earlier announcement of $600 million was made seven months ago by the Washington congressional delegation. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which has made this the largest bridge project in the nation at this time.
Transportation officials in both states are hoping for an eventual total of $2.6 billion in federal support, coupled with $1 billion each in commitments from Oregon and Washington. Auto and truck tolls are expected to cover the rest of the cost. Transportation commissions in both states have begun negotiations toward an agreement on tolls.
Project officials are working on a new cost estimate for the bridge, which most recently stood around $6 billion. They are still working on a supplemental environmental impact statement, which is required before major federal actions can proceed. Construction is now likely to start in 2026.
The northbound span was built in 1917, and the southbound span in 1958. The bridge is unlikely to withstand a severe earthquake triggered by fault-line movements off the Oregon Coast. A new bridge would add capacity for light rail and express-bus service and greater safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. A total of seven interchanges would be rebuilt.
Kris Strickler, director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, said this in a statement:
“It is a testament to the ongoing partnership and commitment of everyone involved, and the ability for that collaboration to provide multimodal transportation choices for our region.
“I-5 and the Interstate Bridge are essential to the prosperity of those who travel through our region and those who call it home. I am proud of the work being done by both states to ensure that the Interstate Bridge serves people, however they choose to travel, for generations to come.”
Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021. Oregon’s two senators and four of the five representatives voted for it; Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz of Ontario voted no. (Oregon added a sixth House seat in the 2022 election.) While half of the $1.2 trillion renews federal spending authority on highways and bridges for the next several years, $550 billion goes toward other infrastructure projects.
Joining in the announcement were Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici, whose districts are most affected by the new bridge.
Senators' letter
Wyden and Merkley said this in a December letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has made visits to Oregon and Washington:
“Building this bridge replacement will improve one of the worst truck bottlenecks on the West Coast, increase safety, travel reliability and multimodal travel options along I-5. The project would also deliver seismic resiliency and deliver much-needed expanded light rail transit service.
“It is vital that a new bridge withstand a major earthquake, provide access for travelers and life-saving services and expand multimodal solutions for improved mobility, traffic and climate benefits for the Portland metro region.
“A new I-5 bridge will be built and used every day by hard-working Oregonians — some struggling every month to make rent or pay for child care. Significant federal investment in this project should offset costs anticipated to be borne by these Oregonians and ensure they are not stuck shouldering indefinite maintenance costs that make this critical infrastructure possible. To that end, we will continue to work in Congress to shift more of the cost of projects to high-income earners and corporations rather than directly on to low-income families.”
Delegation reactions
Blumenauer, who represents most of Portland:
“This is a monumental investment for our region. Today, we are a billion and a half dollars closer to completing our task of connecting Portland and Vancouver with light-rail, zero-emission buses, and pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Yet again, Democrats are delivering. This would not be possible without the Biden-Harris Administration’s zeal to rebuild and renew America.”
Bonamici, who represents Portland west of the Willamette, and a little bit to the east:
“This massive investment in the Interstate Bridge Project is great news for Oregonians and people throughout the Pacific NW.
“This funding represents the culmination of years of advocacy to improve critical infrastructure. It will bring scores of good jobs for skilled workers who will build a more resilient bridge that meets the needs of our growing economy and changing climate. I’m grateful to have worked with my colleagues in the Oregon and Washington delegations to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is the source of this funding.”
Wyden: “Today’s federal investment, the largest investment in the country under the Bridge Investment Program, is great news for commuters and freight traffic in Oregon and throughout the Northwest. Jobs and the Oregon economy are big winners with a modern interstate bridge.
“I’m all for seeing this vital project through to completion with ongoing help of federal tax dollars. But it needs to happen without any new tolling costs landing on Oregon motorists, many of whom are already battling to make ends meet.”
Merkley: “What a historic moment for Oregon! The I-5 Bridge replacement project receiving a nearly $1.5 billion USDOT investment is a big deal. It is not only a game changer for Oregonians who will soon have expanded transportation options to cross the Columbia River, but also a huge win for our economy as the project will generate many good-paying union jobs.
“This latest federal funding from the landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law brings us closer than ever to realizing this long-sought project that will boost seismic resiliency in the region and ensure safer, faster, and more reliable transportation for generations to come.”
pwong@pamplinmedia.com
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