Key Takeaways:
- The new cost estimate for the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project between Portland and Vancouver will likely be delayed until at least spring 2026.
- The delay is due to the U.S. Coast Guard’s pending decision on whether the future bridge should include a movable section to allow ships above a certain height to pass underneath.
- The project’s cost is expected to be significantly higher than the previous estimate of $5 billion to $7.5 billion, due to rising costs for materials and labor.
- The project has secured about $5.9 billion in expected funding, but may require additional funding from Oregon and Washington.
- Lawmakers from both states have expressed frustration with the delay and are seeking a specific timeline for the project’s completion.
Introduction to the Project Delay
The effort to replace the aging Interstate 5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver has hit a roadblock, with officials announcing that a new cost estimate for the project will likely be delayed until at least spring 2026. The primary reason for the delay is the U.S. Coast Guard’s pending decision on whether the future bridge should include a movable section to allow ships above a certain height to pass underneath. This decision is expected to have a significant impact on the project’s cost, with estimates suggesting that a movable section could add over $500 million to the final price tag.
Project Design and Features
Despite the delay, project officials have made significant progress on the design of the replacement bridge. The new bridge is expected to include three lanes in each direction, plus one or two auxiliary lanes and shoulders in both directions. Additionally, the bridge will feature a light rail track and designated space for cyclists and pedestrians. The project also includes significant upgrades or redevelopment of intersections and traffic infrastructure in Portland, Hayden Island, and Vancouver, as well as the creation of a light rail station in Vancouver. Project officials have pitched a fixed span bridge as the best design option, but this will require the approval of the Coast Guard.
Funding and Cost Estimates
The project has secured about $5.9 billion in expected funding, including $217 million already allocated from Oregon and Washington, commitments of $1 billion from each state, $2.1 billion in federal grants, and up to $1.6 billion in future tolling revenue. The team is also hoping to secure a $1 billion federal grant for the light rail extension. However, the project’s cost is expected to be significantly higher than the previous estimate of $5 billion to $7.5 billion, due to rising costs for materials and labor. Project officials have not released a new estimate since December 2022, and the delay in releasing a new estimate has frustrated lawmakers from both states.
Lawmaker Response and Next Steps
Lawmakers from both states have expressed frustration with the delay, with some saying they had expected to receive a new cost estimate on Monday. Rep. Thuy Tran, a Democrat from Portland, stated that she felt like the estimate was being "punted down the road" and demanded a specific timeline for the project’s completion. Project officials did not explicitly say whether they expected either state to approve more funding for the bridge replacement any time soon, but said they would have further details once the Coast Guard makes its decision. The Coast Guard’s decision is expected to come early next year, and project officials will likely release a new cost estimate after that.
Project Timeline and Expectations
The construction of the replacement bridge is expected to begin in mid to late 2026, but the project’s timeline is uncertain due to the delay in releasing a new cost estimate. Project officials have committed to keeping lawmakers informed as the work progresses, but the lack of a clear timeline has raised concerns about the project’s viability. The project’s success will depend on the ability of officials to secure additional funding and navigate the complex regulatory process. As the project moves forward, lawmakers and stakeholders will be closely watching the progress and waiting for a clear timeline and cost estimate.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the delay in releasing a new cost estimate for the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project has raised concerns about the project’s viability and timeline. The project’s cost is expected to be significantly higher than previously estimated, and the delay in securing a new estimate has frustrated lawmakers from both states. Despite these challenges, project officials remain committed to completing the project and have secured significant funding to date. As the project moves forward, it will be important for officials to provide clear and timely communication to stakeholders and to navigate the complex regulatory process to ensure the project’s success.
