Questions & Answers

What do you want?

An I-5 bridge replacement project ASAP.

Why is it needed?

The current I-5 bridge spans are functionally obsolete, chronically congested, and facing costly maintenance and seismic upgrades. The I-5 bridge lift span is the only “stop” on I-5 from Canada to Mexico, and one of only six remaining on the entire interstate system. Narrow shoulders, short merge zones and a sight-impairing hump design make this a particularly dangerous roadway.

How old is the bridge?

One of the I-5 spans opened in 1917. The other opened in 1958. They were designed for a different era in transportation and a far smaller metropolitan area.

How much traffic does the bridge handle?

About 135,000 vehicles daily on I-5. It is a critical economic lifeline for the entire West Coast yet considered one of the worst choke points in the country for freight and commerce. Prevailing speed (2019) averages just 9 miles per hour during morning commute times, and congestion can persist for 7+ hours northbound and 4+ hours southbound.

Is the situation getting worse?

Yes. I-5 and I-205 together carry daily traffic that is approaching 300,000 trips. Combine that with our region’s population growing at 1-2 percent a year through 2040 and we have a severe transportation crisis brewing. That’s why we need to fix 5 now.

How should this get done?

A bipartisan group of Washington legislators got things started with bills to inventory past work, engage Oregon colleagues, and designate replacing the I-5 bridge as a transportation project of statewide significance. A bi-state legislative working group helped secure planning funds from both states and continues to shape the process. An I-5 Bridge Replacement Program office was opened in 2020 and is on a determined schedule to define and construct a replacement bridge facility beginning in 2025.

What should the bridge look like?

A replacement bridge needs to be something that can support people, freight and commerce for 75 years or longer. We prefer a practically designed solution that can be built quickly, endure a seismic event and meet our needs for a long time.

Aren’t the bridges safe now?

On the north side alone, there were 585 accidents from 2012-2016. New spans would be safer, with modern features such as shoulders, better on-off merge lanes, no lifts, and no sight-blocking humps.

What would happen in a significant earthquake?

The current I-5 bridge support system is not anchored in bedrock. It sits on wood pilings in sandy soil that could liquefy in an earthquake. Plus, the liftspans’ counterweight design could be damaged easily by a moderate earthquake.

Will it include tolls?

A bridge funding package would likely require multiple funding sources. User fees such as tolls are probable, along with federal and state infrastructure funding. The two current I-5 spans were paid in part by tolls, similar to other crossings between Oregon and Washington.

Will it include mass transit?

Any modern urban transportation route needs high capacity public transit although the specific mode or approach would be explored through planning. The only current service across the I-5 bridge is a C-TRAN bus route. About one-in-six citizens are transit-dependent and the percentage is growing.

Will it include light rail?

The Portland metro area is served by light rail (LRT) with expansion routes planned. Meanwhile, Clark County has found success in bus rapid transit (BRT) and is pursuing its second east-west route and plans are underway for a north-south route. How those systems intersect will likely be addressed through the bridge replacement planning process.

Why not another bridge?

The focus now is replacing the antiquated I-5 bridge, although the bi-state legislative working group is expected to explore the concept of a bridge authority to address crossings between the two states.

Might we need an additional bridge and corridor?

Perhaps. It should be considered by both states as our region comes to grips with growth and long-range transportation planning. The first place to start, however, is fixing I-5 now.

What about bridge design and height?

The I-5 Bridge Replacement Program has engaged a staff team, engineering contractor and input groups to consider design options. Then, those options will endure a thorough federal review process.

Will equity be addressed?

Yes. Bridge replacement concepts will undergo a thorough assessment and input process to address equity. An equity-focused group began work in 2021.

Will climate change be addressed?

Yes. This is part of the planning and federal permitting process.

Is this just the CRC again?

No. It’s a new day and time for a new bi-partisan plan. Past work definitely will be used to accelerate a new project.

What went wrong last time?

The project lacked broad enough support and momentum in its final stages of approval. This time, the conversations began with broad bipartisan support and a focus on practical solutions.

When might we expect a new bridge?

We need it now and the need is growing. The project office is gearing its efforts toward breaking ground in 2025. Leaders in both states and the federal government are exploring funding packages now.

Is it true we have to pay back the feds for past planning work if we don’t build a bridge?

Probably, if a replacement bridge project doesn’t materialize. The two state transportation departments filed and received an extended waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation which delays repayment for past work. That waiver expires in 2024 and describes an anticipated timeline toward bridge replacement.

Isn’t this a “federal” problem?

Federal policy puts maintenance of existing interstates in the hands of states, which invest local, state and federal transportation funds to operate and maintain them.

What if we do nothing?

We would have to invest heavily to keep the tired old bridge operating. Replacing the deck and repainting the structure would be necessary, plus improvements to keep the liftspans operational. The bridge also would face expensive and impractical seismic reinforcements. These potential repairs are better spent on a replacement.

What can I do?

Add your voice and spread the word. We need to demonstrate broad community support for fixing I-5 now. This includes family, coworkers, employers, nonprofits, churches and government bodies. Learn more through the project office website: www.interstatebridge.org

What’s next?

Once you sign up, you’ll receive updates and action requests along the way. This work will take time, but our community’s vitality is at stake and we need a sustained sense of urgency to get this done.

Who is behind this effort?

Many organizations and community leaders are supporting this work. This effort is being hosted by the private business group Identity Clark County, which views fixing I-5 as its top priority.