Virtual meeting takes place Jan. 18 and 19

The upcoming Jan. 18 and 19 meeting of the Washington State Transportation Commission will cover several topics including the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project, emerging tolling technologies and possible expansion of commercial aviation in the state.

The meeting starts at 9 a.m. both Wednesday, Jan. 18, and Thursday, Jan. 19. This meeting will be virtual using Zoom. Those interested in attending can register on the commission’s website. TVW will broadcast the meeting live.

The commission will hear from Washington State Department of Transportation staff on Wednesday, Jan. 18, about the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project, an effort to replace the aging I-5 bridge across the Columbia River with a seismically resilient multimodal structure that provides improved mobility. The commission will hear about outreach efforts and next steps for the bridge replacement program. 

Also on Wednesday, the commission will hear about new tolling technology that removes the need for transponders and highway toll booths by using wireless, solar-powered roadside technology. 

Other highlights of the commission’s two-day meeting include:

• Commercial and Aviation Coordinating Commission update: Wednesday afternoon the commission will hear about the latest findings and next steps in the ongoing process to recommend a preferred expansion site to meet Washington’s commercial and passenger airline needs.
• Hood River Bridge traffic and revenue study: The commission will consider tolling alternatives to support the funding of a new Hood River Bridge, which is operated by the Port of Hood River.
• Multimodal needs along the State Route 167 corridor: WSDOT staff will share details about the master plan update, anticipated to be completed in 2023, that identifies the short-term and long-term needs for varying modes of transportation along the corridor.
• Updated Washington State Freight Plan: Commissioners will hear about the most recent update to the plan that examines all modes of freight movement in the state, including trucks, airplanes, rail, barges and cargo ships.
• Action on naming State Route 20 in Okanogan County: The commission will take action on a proposal by members of the American Legion, Hodges Post No. 84 in Oroville to name the highway “Vietnam War Veterans’ Memorial Highway.”

The commission will take public comment at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. Those wishing to speak can sign up during the meeting by posting their name in the Q&A box on-screen. Written comments can also be submitted via email to transc@wstc.wa.gov.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit the commission’s website at www.wstc.wa.gov.