As the costs for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program skyrocket, Rep. John Ley proposes a more economical approach that could save taxpayers billions. The current plan to demolish the existing bridges and construct a new one has seen its estimated costs triple, potentially reaching $15 billion. Ley suggests that instead of spending nearly $400 million on bridge demolition, these funds could be better utilized for a seismic upgrade of the existing structures, which would serve as a local connector for Hayden Island and downtown Vancouver traffic.
Rising Costs and Alternatives
New Program Administrator Carley Francis reported to the Oregon Transportation Commission that the cost of removing the two bridges has increased significantly, now estimated at $390 million. This is a stark rise from the 2022 estimate of $120 million to $180 million. Ley argues that for the same amount, a seismic upgrade could be achieved, especially since one of the bridges received an upgrade as recently as 1958.
The IBR team has previously highlighted the annual $1.2 million cost to operate and maintain the current bridges, with an additional $270 million needed for capital maintenance by 2040, excluding seismic retrofitting. However, given the current financial climate, including Oregon voters rejecting a transportation tax increase and Washington’s fiscal warnings from credit agencies, Ley believes that a more affordable solution should be considered.
Proposed Solutions
Ley suggests constructing a new express bridge alongside the existing structures, which would add much-needed vehicle capacity over the Columbia River. By building a taller express bridge, the project could avoid $141 million in mitigation payments, freeing up funds for the seismic upgrade. This approach could save taxpayers approximately $11 billion, which could be redirected to other critical transportation projects in Washington and Oregon.
In Washington, for instance, $160 million is needed to replace the Carbon River – Fairfax Bridge on SR-165, and $135 million is required for the Camas Slough Bridge on SR-14. Meanwhile, Oregon faces a $3 billion funding shortage for various projects, including the I-205 Abernethy Bridge and the I-5 Rose Quarter.
Rep. Ley’s proposal emphasizes the importance of making wise financial decisions, suggesting that repurposing existing infrastructure could be a cost-effective alternative to demolition. By minimizing complex interchanges and nearly doubling capacity with a new bridge, this plan offers a practical solution to the region’s transportation challenges.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
