Costing from US$5-7.5 billion, the new bridge carrying I-5 across the Colombia River between Oregon State and Washington State will nonetheless be good value for money. The recently released Environmental Impact Report says that the new link will cut congestion over the bridge, cutting journey times as well as improving traffic safety.
The existing twin bridges no longer meet transport or safety requirements. The current northbound bridge opened to traffic in 1917 handling all traffic requirements at the time. The second bridge opened to traffic in 1958 and took over duties for southbound traffic. Handling around 130,000 vehicles/day, the current bridges suffer from congestion and are also at risk from earthquakes, while not meeting the latest traffic safety requirements.
Construction is expected to take until 2032 to complete and both Washington State and Oregon State have said they will provide $1 billion each to the project. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has also said it will provide up to $1.5 billion. The new bridge will have to be tolled to help pay for the work and its construction will require the demolition of 45 domestic properties and 36 business properties however.
