Sam Churchill shares a long list of issues with the project
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
As a Hayden Island resident, I have concerns about the proposed Interstate Bridge replacement.
Bridge issues:
- The Interstate Bridge Replacement Plan doesn’t yet know what the design is.Â
- The cost estimate is inaccurate. How much more than $3.5B-$5B WILL it cost?Â
- The Vancouver ramps (in sandy soil) would be the steepest in the country (6.7%). Dangerous. A lawsuit.Â
- The 3.9% incline of the bridge slows trucks by 20 mph, causing congestion. The 3.9% descent causes accidents when wet.Â
- Coast Guard requires 178 ft of clearance. NOT 116 ft.Â
- Bridge pylon rebar must go down 350 ft to hit solid ground.Â
- Is the license plate database sold? To whom?Â
- Architectural projects now provide photo-realistic rendering, often with full motion simulation. The WSDOT/ODOT drawings are inaccurate and frankly laughable. For example, light rail lacks ANY overhead catenary power infrastructure.Â
Island issues:
- Max train can offer NO Express service. Too many stops. Slow and inconvenient.Â
- The Bridge toll kills Hayden Island’s Mall.Â
- Manheim’s Car auction will close, taking dozens of local businesses with it.Â
- What reparations for loss of Mall, businesses, housing, pollution, noise, tolls, property values.Â
- How is Hayden Island’s large Latino and minority population served?Â
One bridge option is NOT an option.
- A lift or bascule bridge solves the height problem.Â
- An immersed tunnel solves the ramp safety violations.Â
- A tunnel for mass transit (a la Musk or other) is cheaper and safer.Â
In conclusion, the IBR project appears to violate basic safety considerations with ramps that are too steep and a height that slows traffic.
The bulk of the budget is spent “fixing” the raised highway problem, north and south of the bridge. Not the bridge. It destroys the economic vitality of Hayden Island and its future.
The height of the bridge is the main problem. That could be solved with a lift bridge or an immersed tunnel.
Sam Churchill
Hayden Island resident
Also read:
- Letter: ‘The current bridge plan hurts economic development on BOTH sides of the river’Sam Churchill from Hayden Island shares his concerns over the economic impact of the current I-5 Bridge replacement proposal on both sides of the river.
- Letter: ‘We students are counting on voters to show up to the polls again’Vancouver’s Tammy Pham urges voters to reject I-2109, safeguarding essential education funding and youth opportunities.
- POLL: Should Clark County increase surveillance or add security at all ballot drop box locations?Clark County Today’s weekly poll asks if increased security measures at ballot drop boxes are necessary to boost voter confidence or if the cost is too high.
- Opinion: Taxes cost moneyNancy Churchill discusses why she believes repealing the Climate Commitment Act with I-2117 will ease economic burdens on Washington residents.
- Letter: Vote for Joe Kent for CongressCamas resident Doug Tweet supports Joe Kent for Congress, highlighting his military service and positions on key issues.