John A. Charles Jr. questions why there are no efforts underway to plan for the next generation of great roads
John A. Charles Jr.
Cascade Policy Institute
The last segment of Oregon’s Interstate Highway system opened in 1982. One would think that since Oregon has a nationally prominent planning system, there would be efforts underway to plan for the next generation of great roads.
But that is not the case. Planners almost universally hate highways, so they have made sure that the Interstate system remains stagnant. Even where changes are being contemplated, such as a new I-5 bridge over the Columbia River, they are not designed to address growth.
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Project, now in its 26th year of planning, will have no effect on traffic congestion because it doesn’t add capacity. We will still have only two bridges over the Columbia River in the Portland region.
What we need is several new bridges, with at least one providing a direct, high-speed connection to HWY 26 on the west side. We need new bridges and highways for the same reasons that cities eventually need new streets – you can’t pack every urban activity into one small area.
The Oregon Transportation Commission is determined to impose highway tolls without providing motorists with new highways. This is the wrong approach. If the Commission wants public support, it should start planning for the new roads the public wants.
John A. Charles, Jr. is President and CEO of Cascade Policy Institute, Oregon’s free market public policy research organization.
Also read:
- Letter: ‘It’s said sarcasm is the lowest form of wit’
Amboy resident Thomas Schenk criticizes Olympia’s use of “emergency clauses” and other legislative tactics that limit public participation. - Letter: ‘We’re going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we’re going to work with them’Camas resident Anna Miller supports a new structured self-deportation policy, calling it a balanced approach to immigration and economic needs.
- Opinion: What the 2025 legislature tells us about why Washington’s government keeps failing
Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington’s government fails because it resists humility, experimentation, and accountability in its policymaking. - Letter: Vancouver needs broader leadership than just a teacher’s lensVancouver resident Peter Bracchi urges Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle not to seek another term, calling for more diverse and inclusive leadership rooted in broader experiences.
- Opinion: Legislative session ‘was full of ups and downs and many learning experiences’Rep. John Ley reflects on the 2025 legislative session, highlighting local funding victories and warning of major tax increases passed by the majority.
