US$1.5 billion bridge grant: Oregon-Washington link

A finance package worth US$1.5 billion is being provided by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for the project to replace the I-5 bridge linking Oregon State and Washington State.

The bridge will span the Columbia River, connecting Portland in Oregon State with Vancouver in Washington State. The addition of this new funding package means that the US Federal Government is providing a total of $2.1 billion for the bridge replacement. Washington State and Oregon State meanwhile will also provide around $1 billion each for the project.

The new bridge will be larger than the existing link, with four lanes in either direction instead of the three lanes in either direction at present. The project also includes extensive works to the road links on either sides of the Columbia River, in both Oregon State and Washington State.

There are some concerns that the proposed bridge design is not high enough to give the necessary clearance for vessels using the river.

The plans call for tolling to be used to help pay for the project, which has been long delayed. Construction could commence in 2026, while toll charges are expected to be revealed in 2025. Construction of the Interstate Bridge Replacement project has been delayed due to a number of factors. However, the work is crucial for transport in these states as the existing link is no longer able to cope with traffic demands or future traffic predictions and also falls short of the latest safety standards.