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
It is not that we have too many bridges crossing the Columbia River in our area, congestion being some of the worst in the nation at night.
What justification has been presented to remove federally protected bridges? National
Significance category as a marvel engineering feat of its time. The bridges that serve
our communities with pride daily.
We do not need to remove the I-5 bridges to construct a new modern multi-modal
bridge. A supplemental bridge gives construction jobs too. So again, why are we
REMOVING the I-5 bridges when adding capacity across the Columbia River is the
project?
The bridges need better bike and pedestrian crossing. So add a promenade that is
historically appropriate with the view of Mt. Hood.
The seismic upgrades are very doable and have been done on several bridges in our area.
We are still waiting for a complete independent report from a company that specializes
in bridges seismic upgrades to inspect and evaluate the I-5 bridges.
A panel of experts in 2006 CRC EIS said upgrades to save the bridge could be done. New
ground liquidation stabilization techniques are a game changer. Costs the panel quoted
were very reasonable considering the bridges' in 2005 valued at approximately a billion
dollars.
The bridges are overcapacity. So is the I-5 freeway leading up to the bridges. The
adjacent neighborhoods funnel traffic, through their neighborhoods as vehicles rush to
one of only two bridge crossings in an area identified as needing additional crossings
since the 1990s.
The bridges are doing more than their part moving traffic. A rating size is 88,000 vehicles and they carry 140,000 daily. Again the bridges are not the problems. They are our work horses, solid and true. More bridges, less traffic on the I-5 freeway and the overcapacity of I-205 bridges. That's how math works, more bridges less congestion
That is a good reason to keep the bridges and add more crossings right?
The lift on the bridges? Is that really a problem? A second lift added to the BNSF rail
bridge aligned with the I-5 bridge barge channel means 95% less lifts, approximately 30
lifts in a year. On the same rail line in 1989 crossing the Willamette River, the largest
swing-span section in the world was replaced with a new lift in 72 hours. Doable and
necessary for safety if we keep our bridges or construct a replacement bridge. Think
about that.
• Keeping the lift height on the I-5 bridges for current and future marine traffic.
• A supplemental bridge 1-mile west, adjacent to BNSF rail bridge, the center of the project
area has no impediments to airports and marine terminals.
• Add capacity to a supplemental bridge UNLESS the I-5 bridges require replacement.
Sharon Nasset
Vancouver
