I-5 Columbia River Bridge Replacement

planned

The project involves replacing the current Interstate 5 bridge span between Washington and Oregon, which opened in 1917 and 1958, respectively. The bridge is considered functionally obsolete and the replacement project initially included a light rail component. The estimated cost has increased from $4 billion in 2009 to $13.6 billion in 2026, a 240% increase. The project faced financial hurdles, lack of accountability, and a ballot measure to fund rail was defeated. Despite the project's 'demise' in 2013, it has been resurrected with higher costs. Transit demand has fallen while costs have risen, and officials are urged to consider practical solutions without light rail to build a more economical bridge lasting 100 years.