The Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, is set to bring significant improvements and challenges to the region.
The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement SEIS outlines the anticipated benefits, such as reduced crashes, quicker commutes, and lower air pollution, thanks to expanded transit options like light rail.
However, the project also comes with downsides, including the acquisition of up to 43 homes and 36 businesses, as well as potential impacts on river navigation.
The project, estimated to cost between $5 billion and $7.5 billion, aims to address the outdated bridge’s structural issues, which leave it vulnerable to earthquakes.
The proposed construction plan includes building two new bridges, each with several lanes and safety features, with a light-rail extension reaching Vancouver. The removal of the current bridge is also part of the plan.
Concerns remain about tolls disproportionately affecting lower-income families and the potential limitations on river traffic due to reduced vertical clearance on certain bridge designs.
Public input on the SEIS is welcomed through November 18, 2024, with multiple virtual and in-person meetings scheduled in October to gather feedback from the community.