The I-5 river bridge replacement project in Vancouver is currently at a 30% design stage, meaning that while the overall concept is established, the final construction drawings and costs are not yet finalized. This has led to some public confusion and frustration, as many people hear about the project’s price tag and political discussions without understanding the complexities involved in moving from planning to construction.
Project Development and Costs
The project is a bi-state, multi-agency endeavor, requiring numerous approvals, procurement processes, and funding decisions. As of December 2025, approximately $280.2 million has been spent on engineering, environmental work, consultant support, and other pre-construction activities. This expenditure reflects the cost of planning and setting up the project rather than actual construction materials like concrete and steel.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WS DOT) plans to use a progressive design-build approach. This means selecting a builder before the design is fully complete, allowing the builder to contribute to advancing the design, refining risks, and negotiating pricing before major construction begins. The design is expected to reach at least 60% completion before the construction phase is set, which will help clarify constructability and scheduling but means the public won’t see a fixed price from the outset.
Future Steps and Public Understanding
Several major checkpoints remain before the full construction cost is settled, including the federal record of decision and the selection of the design builder. As the design progresses from 30% to 60%, quantities, risks, and pricing will become clearer, allowing for adjustments in cost, scope, or timing. This staged approach explains why the project’s price has fluctuated so far.
The currently funded phase of the project, estimated at $5.68 billion, includes the replacement bridge, major road connections, tolling, a shared-use path, room for future light rail, rail design work, and the removal of the old bridge. However, the broader corridor vision carries a projected cost of about $14.4 billion. This distinction is important, as public discussions often conflate the long-term vision with the first funded phase.
Ultimately, while the bridge replacement is necessary, the public deserves clear communication about the project’s current status. The design is still under development, the final cost is being refined, and the first funded phase is not the complete vision that has been discussed over the years.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
