The Interstate Bridge replacement project, a $15 billion initiative, plans to implement tolls ranging from $2.00 to $4.65 on the I-5 Bridge. This decision is expected to divert tens of thousands of vehicles daily to the I-205 corridor, according to research by City Observatory and consulting firm Stantec. The tolls aim to fund the bridge replacement, but they may inadvertently cause severe congestion on I-205.

Traffic Diversion Concerns

Stantec’s ‘Level 3’ study, obtained through public records, indicates that tolling could reduce I-5 traffic from 127,000 to 77,000 vehicles per day. This shift would likely result in increased congestion on the I-205 bridge, which remains toll-free. The study predicts that around 50,000 vehicles will divert from I-5 to I-205, exacerbating traffic issues.

The findings echo previous studies, including a 2023 ‘Level 2’ forecast and a 2013 analysis for the Columbia River Crossing project. These studies consistently show that tolling I-5 will lead to significant traffic diversion, challenging the rationale behind the costly bridge expansion.

Impact on Regional Traffic

Despite the project’s Environmental Impact Statement suggesting minimal traffic diversion, newer studies contradict this claim. The tolls are expected to cause longer travel times, increased pollution, and less reliable commutes on I-205, a critical route to Portland International Airport. The tolling strategy may ultimately result in fewer vehicles using the newly expanded I-5 than currently do, raising questions about the project’s effectiveness and financial prudence.

Local residents and policymakers must consider these findings as they weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed tolling system. The potential for increased congestion on I-205 could have lasting impacts on regional traffic patterns and the daily lives of commuters.

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