The world’s largest bridge projects are increasingly focused on replacing and modernizing aging infrastructure rather than opening entirely new routes.
A report from GlobalData Construction Intelligence Centre ranks the $17.7 billion Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement between Oregon and Washington as the world’s most expensive bridge project.
Construction on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement began July 1 and will replace the aging Columbia River crossing with a modern structure designed to improve safety, reduce congestion and support future travel demand, according to the project website.
The new crossing will address narrow lanes, poor sight lines and limited shoulders while adding a shared-use path, space for future light rail, three through lanes, safety shoulders and an auxiliary lane in each direction. The project also includes the construction of tolling infrastructure.
Another U.S. replacement project, the $7 billion I-5 Boon Bridge Replacement over the Willamette River in Oregon, also ranks among the world’s 10 most expensive bridge projects, according to the report.
Currently in the planning phase, the project will replace the existing crossing with a seismically resilient bridge designed to improve safety, reduce congestion and accommodate future population growth, according to the project website.
The report highlights how replacing aging infrastructure can carry price tags comparable to constructing entirely new crossings.
According to World Construction Network, bridge replacement projects present unique construction challenges because crews must work around existing infrastructure, often requiring phased construction to keep traffic moving.
Other U.S. projects included in GlobalData’ ranking are the $16 billion Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor, —a multi-state project to bring rail connections to the southeast of the country—the $4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge (paid for by Canada), connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, and the $4 billion I-64 Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion, which is the largest highway construction project in Virginia’s history.
Sources: GlobalData, World Construction Network, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program website, the State of Oregon
