Leaders from Oregon and Washington are urging the bi‑state I‑5 bridge replacement project to continue even though Phase 1 remains $1.4 billion short of the money needed to fully fund it. The new span, which will replace the aging Columbia River Bridge linking Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR, has ballooned to an estimated $15 billion, more than double the original projection.

Funding shortfall and federal pressure

Representative John Lee, a Vancouver lawmaker serving on the bi‑state legislative committee, told Interim Project Administrator Carly Francis that the lack of secured funding creates a disconnect with federal partners who expect a fully funded project. “We are shy $1.4 billion, yet we are proceeding,” Lee said, emphasizing the urgency to avoid losing federal dollars that could be earmarked for the bridge.

Cost escalation and design changes

Planners have added a light‑rail component and repeatedly altered design options, driving the cost estimate up to $15 billion. Critics point to the high hourly rates charged by consulting firm WSP, noting that a low‑wage employee’s $23.32 per hour labor cost is inflated by overhead and profit to a taxpayer bill of $63.02 per hour, with high‑end rates reaching $224 per hour. The total projected cost per hour of work tops $600.

Support from state officials

Washington Democratic Representative Jake Fay, chair of the bi‑state committee, defended the current bridge design, arguing that delaying the project risks forfeiting federal funding. “We are not building the light rail now; we are building the bridge so we can accommodate it later,” Fay said. He stressed that the bridge must move forward to protect the money already at stake.

Local concerns and economic impact

Local officials and residents worry that the $15 billion price tag will divert resources from other critical projects across both states. “Every dollar we spend on this bridge takes away from other projects that Washington and Oregon desperately need,” one Oregon official said.

Portland economist Joe Cortright warned that the project’s design forces a “build‑everything” approach, making it difficult to stop after Phase 1. He warned that once construction begins, the states could be locked into a two‑decade, $15 billion commitment.

Projected timeline and tolls

Construction is slated to begin in July 2028, with tolls expected to start at the same time. Projections show tolls could range from $1.55 to $4.70 per crossing, depending on traffic flow and time of day.

What’s next?

The bi‑state committee will continue to seek additional funding sources while pressing forward with the bridge design. Lawmakers say the priority is to secure the federal dollars now available and avoid a costly delay that could jeopardize the entire project.

Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.