Funds from this grant will be used to help construct the replacement of the Interstate Bridge across the Columbia River and other transportation improvements within the program corridor

VANCOUVER –  Interstate Bridge Replacement program officials have shared that the program received $1.499 billion through the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program. The award was announced by congressional offices on Friday (July 12). 

FHWA’s bridge grant program offers competitive, discretionary funding for projects focused on replacing existing bridges while improving transportation infrastructure safety and resiliency.  Funds from this grant will be used to help construct the replacement of the Interstate Bridge across the Columbia River and other transportation improvements within the program corridor.

“Washington state and the Pacific Northwest are exceptionally grateful for the level of investment provided by this administration. Replacing the Interstate Bridge with a multimodal crossing is one of our highest priorities and ensures we’re building a modern bridge for modern times,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “We have been working tirelessly with our Oregon partners to demonstrate the bi-state commitment to get this done for the people of both states and the nation. We appreciate the tireless support of our congressional delegations and all the community partners collaborating in good faith.”

This federal grant is an essential piece of the funding needed to construct the bridge and other improvements to address the significant transportation challenges with the bridge and corridor. The goal is to provide a modern, multimodal corridor that strengthens earthquake resiliency, improves safety and keeps people and the economy moving into the future. This includes providing safe and accessible options for all travelers, including those driving, walking, biking, rolling and riding transit.

“This is fantastic news for the state of Oregon,” said Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. “This infusion of federal funds will promote regional and national economic growth and support local jobs and broader workforce opportunities. Building this multimodal bridge also moves us closer to meeting our state, regional and national goals of reducing carbon emissions and curbing the effects of climate change.”

The Interstate Bridge serves as a critical connection between Oregon and Washington on Interstate 5, which is a vital trade route for regional, national and international economies. With one span of the existing Interstate Bridge now over one hundred years old, transportation officials state that the current structure can no longer meet the needs of modern travel and is vulnerable to earthquake damage. They believe replacing this aging bridge over the Columbia River will help ensure travelers and local communities can continue to access the bridge and life-saving services in the event of a major earthquake.

“This grant award underscores the strong federal support we have in replacing the Interstate Bridge,” said Oregon Department of Transportation Director Kris Strickler. “It is a testament to the ongoing partnership and commitment of everyone involved, and the ability for that collaboration to provide multimodal transportation choices for our region. I-5 and the Interstate Bridge are essential to the prosperity of those who travel through our region and those who call it home. I am proud of the work being done by both states to ensure that the Interstate Bridge serves people, however they choose to travel, for generations to come.” 

Today, travelers experience heavy congestion during peak travel times, which affects commuters, freight and public transit. The area’s current crash rate is over three times higher than statewide averages. Improving travel reliability and safety through the IBR program work supports the efficient movement of people and goods through the program corridor. However, IBR officials concede that the current proposed project will not significantly decrease traffic congestion in the I-5 corridor. 

“This historic federal investment clearly demonstrates that improving our aging transportation system is a national priority,” said Washington Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar. “This would not have been possible without the steadfast collaboration and collective effort of regional partners and our state and federal elected leaders, demonstrating the commitment shared by both states.”  

IBR program officials are seeking over $2.5 billion in federal grants. In addition to the Bridge Investment Program grant, earlier this year the program was awarded $600 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation Mega Grant program and officials also are pursuing funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grant program. These federal investments – combined with $1 billion commitments made by each of the states of Oregon and Washington and toll funding – will help meet the estimated funding needed to construct the bridge and other improvements. 

“I am thrilled that our federal partners are choosing to invest in the IBR program to help deliver a safer and seismically resilient bridge for this region. The award of these grant dollars further cements the IBR program as a key national project for the USDOT,” IBR Program Administrator Greg Johnson said. “This funding marks another key milestone for the IBR program. We are one significant step closer to providing a safe, multimodal, earthquake resilient corridor that will better connect communities for decades into the future.” 

An IBR communications representative recently shared with Clark County Today that the current “estimated cost for the IBR program is $5 to $7.5 billion, with a likely estimated cost of $6 billion. This 2023 cost estimate reflects the investments being analyzed in the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, which will be released later this year. The IBR program regularly makes updates to its cost estimate using the Cost Estimate Validation Process (CEVP). This is a best practice the program employs to ensure we’re looking at the cost from all angles and making periodic adjustments to our financial plan when necessary. The program anticipates developing an updated cost estimate next summer which will be based on the program investments reflected in the Draft SEIS.’’

Independent cost estimates have projected the actual cost of the project could raise to as much as $9 billion, which would place the current funding at less than half that price tag. The light rail extension of the project is currently estimated to account for $1.99 billion of the overall project.

Opponents of the current project have raised concerns that the project has focused more than necessary on those who do not drive. Johnson recently indicated updated cost estimates will not be made available until next year.