A proposed East County Bridge would offer new traffic lanes and pedestrian paths without tolls or light rail — but would it move the region forward?
The idea of an East County Bridge—positioned east of the I-205 Glenn Jackson Bridge near 192nd Avenue—has resurfaced as a more affordable, common-sense alternative to the $7.5 billion I-5 Bridge replacement project. Proposed without tolls or light rail, the East County Bridge would add much-needed capacity and a new freight corridor between Clark County and Oregon. Supporters say it’s a faster, more practical solution to regional congestion. Opponents argue light rail and tolling must be part of the long-term plan.
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Opinion: ‘The obvious conclusion is to take a simpler, more affordable first step to improving our regional transportation issues’
Ken Vance urges support for the East County Bridge, a toll-free alternative to costly I-5 plans, citing past voter approval and faster, more affordable congestion relief...
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- Goodbye, bumpy ride on I-5 in Vancouver
Three coordinated WSDOT projects will improve more than 6 miles of I-5 in Clark County, backed by a $25 million investment. - Nighttime work on I-5 between Ridgefield and Woodland will replace damaged concrete panels Sept. 14-19
Granite Construction will close right and center lanes nightly on I-5 between mileposts 9.5 and 21.5 through Sept. 19. - County seeks volunteers to serve on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Clark County seeks two volunteers, including one youth member, for its Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; deadline is Oct. 11, 2026. - Washington Rep. John Ley warns ballooning bridge budget needs reality check
Rep. John Ley says the IBR ballooned from a $44M contract to a $13B–$15B project, with phase one still $2.2B short. - POLL: The IBR project is described as only 30% designed and 30% funded after more than six years of work. How confident are you in the current management of the IBR program?
IBR’s cost has climbed from $3.2–$4.8B to $15.2B while the project remains 30% designed and 30% funded.
