Opinion

Letter: Buyer beware (caveat emptor)

Bob Ortblad believes that when it comes to the I-5 Bridge replacement project, our political leaders are too focused on finance and have lost sight of what they are buying

By Bob Ortblad · June 2, 2026

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Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) is both a financial and engineering disaster. Oregon and Washington Transportation Commissions are having a joint meeting on Friday June 5 to discuss tolling the I-5 Bridge. Our political leaders are too focused on finance and have lost sight of what they are buying.

IBR consultants have collected $300 million to recycle the Columbia River Crossing ($200 million) bridge design. The IBR’s bridge design is costly, dangerous, with massive environmental damage. The IBR has spent $30 million on public relations, lying to the public about cost, safety, seismic risk, toll revenue, construction duration, transit ridership, environmental impacts, and an immersed tunnel alternative.

Baltimore, Antwerp, and Vancouver BC canceled planned bridges to build immersed tunnels. In the1960’s, citizens of Baltimore protested a bridge over historic Fort McHenry, and the Maryland General Assembly passed a protection resolution. The Fort McHenry (immersed) Tunnel opened in 1985. A bridge model outraged 66,158 citizens of Antwerp to sign a petition calling for a referendum. A massive bridge was rejected and an Antwerp immerse tunnel is now under construction. Vancouver, BC rejected a bridge design over the Fraser River and is now building an immersed tunnel that has less environmental impact, is faster to build, and less cost.