Changes proposed to cut size, cost of Columbia River Crossing

Briefings for local elected officials expected to continue into next week

By Jim Redden

The Portland Tribune, Nov 6, 2009, Updated Nov 11, 2009 (12 Reader comments)

The staff of the Columbia River Crossing has begun briefing elected officials, transportation planners and others about possible changes to reduce the cost of the replacement Interstate 5 bridge project between Portland and Vancouver, Wash.

A number of people familiar with the briefings said the changes are intended to reduce the estimated cost of the project from $4.2 billion to $3.5 billion.

One change would reduce the maximum number of through and merge lanes on the bridge from 12 to 10, said the sources who declined to be identified because the briefings are still under way.

Other possible changes involve reducing and delaying a number of the interchange projects within the five-mile stretch of I-5 that includes the I-5 bridge.

Another idea being discussed is providing access to Hayden Island from Portland with a portion of the existing bridge. The portion from Delta Park to Hayden Island would need to be widened to meet traffic demands.

"No details have been set in stone, but we have been hearing from our partners that we need to reduce the cost of the project and we are trying to see how we can do that while still achieving our goals," says project spokesperson Carly Francis.

The project would still include a new light-rail connection between Portland and Vancouver, along with improve bicycle and pedestrian access.

1 | 2 Next Page >>

Facebook	Digg	Del.icio.us
Newsvine	Stumbleupon	Reddit