Bob Ortblad predicts the IBR will probably withhold its new estimate until the end of the Washington state legislative session
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) team has promised a new official estimate by the end of March. Thanks to economist Joe Cortright’s public disclosure request, it is no secret that the IBR has been hiding an estimate of about $13.6 billion, twice the 2023 estimate. The IBR will probably withhold its new estimate until the end of the Washington state legislative session.
With only $5.5 billion, the IBR plans to start construction without full funding and call it a “construction sequencing and funding strategy.” The IBR has defined over two dozen construction packages that require 70 years of construction if done sequentially. The IBR must present a new schedule with its updated estimate. Will construction take 25 to 50 years?
“And by getting started, that’s the way to help manage the costs.” — WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith
“Start digging a hole and make it so big, there’s no alternative to coming up with the money to fill it in…” — Former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown
Bob Ortblad MSCE, MBA
Seattle
- Goodbye, bumpy ride on I-5 in Vancouver
Three coordinated WSDOT projects will improve more than 6 miles of I-5 in Clark County, backed by a $25 million investment. - Nighttime work on I-5 between Ridgefield and Woodland will replace damaged concrete panels Sept. 14-19
Granite Construction will close right and center lanes nightly on I-5 between mileposts 9.5 and 21.5 through Sept. 19. - County seeks volunteers to serve on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Clark County seeks two volunteers, including one youth member, for its Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; deadline is Oct. 11, 2026. - Washington Rep. John Ley warns ballooning bridge budget needs reality check
Rep. John Ley says the IBR ballooned from a $44M contract to a $13B–$15B project, with phase one still $2.2B short. - POLL: The IBR project is described as only 30% designed and 30% funded after more than six years of work. How confident are you in the current management of the IBR program?
IBR’s cost has climbed from $3.2–$4.8B to $15.2B while the project remains 30% designed and 30% funded.
