Federal transportation officials on Friday awarded $1.5 billion toward a replacement for the Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River.
The grant, awarded from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s fund for major bridge projects, brings the total federal allocation to $2.1 billion, and could put the project within reach of its expected price tag — if bridge crossings are tolled to cover the remaining cost. Oregon and Washington have each pledged $1 billion in state funds.
The new bridge connecting Portland and Vancouver is expected to cost as much as $7.5 billion to build. That prices includes miles of freeway work north and south of the bridge itself.
One of two existing spans on the existing bridge was built in 1917, and the second was added in 1958. Both are vulnerable to collapse in an earthquake, and the drawbridge for passing river traffic frequently jams up I-5.
But critics of the project say the proposed bridge is larger than needed, with four lanes in each direction instead of the existing three, and will encourage more driving. Designers say the additions are “auxiliary” lanes meant to ease merging.
Proposals to toll the crossing to pay for its construction have also drawn opposition. And Coast Guard officials say the span is too low to accommodate river traffic, an issue that remains unresolved.
Oregon, Washington state and Portland region officials cheered the award.
“This is fantastic news for the state of Oregon,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “This infusion of federal funds will promote regional and national economic growth and support local jobs and broader workforce opportunities. Building this multimodal bridge also moves us closer to meeting our state, regional and national goals of reducing carbon emissions and curbing the effects of climate change.”
Lynn Peterson, the president of the Metro Council, a regional policymaking body, said the region’s investment of time and pledged dollars paid off with Friday’s award.
“The time is now to move forward on this critical project and replace the century-old drawbridge that currently links Portland and Vancouver,” Peterson said. “As we work to rebuild greater Portland’s economy, it’s investments like this that will pave the way for more jobs and growth in our region.”
Two regional congressional delegates couched their support with hesitation over the tolling plans.
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washington, whose district includes Vancouver and much of the state’s southwest, said securing more federal funds is “the only way we get this colossal undertaking done – as well as ensure we feel the benefits of our tax dollars and avoid tolling.”
And Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, said he was committed to seeing the project through with the use of more federal funds — “without any new tolling costs landing on Oregon motorists, many of whom are already battling to make ends meet.”
-- Elliot Njus edits business and economy news for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He can be reached at enjus@oregonian.com.