The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded $1.5 billion to the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River. This funding brings the total federal investment of the bridge to $2.1 billion.
The current bridges that connect Washington and Oregon will be replaced by two new bridges. The new bridges will be able to survive a major earthquake, according to the plans.
“The support from the federal government shows that this project is important to both our region and our nation,” said Metro Council President Lynn Peterson about the funding announcement. “Our efforts to collaborate across two states with dozens of community and government partners, and our states’ investment in $2 billion in matching funds for the Interstate Bridge Replacement, are paying off.”
Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, along with U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez announced the award on Friday.
The funding comes from USDOT’s Bridge Replacement Program and is approximately a third of the total estimated project cost, according to the Washington lawmakers.
Project planners estimate the cost to replace the aging bridges will range from $5 billion to $7.5 billion, most likely falling in the $6 million range.
Oregon and Washington have both committed about $1 billion to the project. Tolls are expected to raise $1.2 billion for construction and provide an ongoing revenue stream for maintenance of the bridges and operations.
Work has begun on the project with environmental evaluation, toll planning, and design. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025. The project is expected to complete in 2032.
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Source: Washington State Standard, KPTV Portland
