Retired engineer Bob Ortblad raises safety concerns about the I-5 Bridge replacement 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
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) is bribing C-TRAN with a promise of eight double-decker electric buses in exchange for C-TRAN’s support of IBR’s freeway expansion and
dangerous bridge.
These double-decker buses will travel in a bus-on-shoulder lane only three feet from the guardrail The IBR’s bridge will have a steep 4 percent downgrade as well as a curve
plus a frequently wet or icy bridge deck.
AdditIonally, a 60 mph crosswind (occurring 175 hours/year) could potentIally blow a double-decker bus sideways and up and over the guardrail. A loaded bus of 80 riders could plunge 150 feet into the Columbia River or drop 100 feet onto downtown Vancouver.
The same deadly wind and road conditions will cause recreational vehicles, trailers, and empty semi-trucks to be blown out of their lane or completely over.
This is the latest example of IBR’s incompetent leadership. Previously, the IBR has fraudulently disqualified a safer Immersed tunnel alternative that would protect traffic from wind, rain, and ice.
Bob Ortblad MSCE, MBA
Retired Professional Engineer
Seattle
Also read:
- Opinion: John Ley pens letter to Transportation Secretary Pete ButtigiegJohn Ley challenges the I-5 Bridge Replacement project, urging Secretary Pete Buttigieg to reconsider federal funding.
- Marie Gluesenkamp Perez submits I-5 Bridge public commentRep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pushes for extended I-5 Bridge public comment period.
- Expect nighttime delays on southbound I-5 near Woodland, Nov. 19Expect delays on southbound I-5 near Woodland on Nov. 19 for lane repairs improving driving safety on the North Fork Lewis River Bridge.
- Washington state still grappling with ongoing EV charging challengesWashington state faces challenges meeting demand for EV charging infrastructure, with an estimated need of 3 million ports by 2035.
- Northbound Interstate Bridge will close Monday, Nov. 18 for maintenanceNorthbound lanes on the Interstate Bridge will close Monday night for maintenance, reopening early Tuesday.