Lawmakers left without updated cost estimates as bridge design and funding questions remain unresolved
Members of the Washington-Oregon Interstate Bridge Replacement Program legislative oversight committee met this week without receiving updated cost estimates or final design decisions for the I-5 Bridge replacement. Rep. John Ley criticized the lack of clarity, noting the project is already estimated at $7.5 billion and remains dependent on unresolved issues such as bridge clearance, transit funding, and overall scope. As costs continue to rise and both states face tighter transportation budgets, lawmakers are weighing difficult choices about the project’s future direction.
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Rep. John Ley issues statement after I-5 Bridge replacement meeting yields few answers
Rep. John Ley criticized the IBR Program for failing to provide updated cost estimates or key design decisions following a recent legislative oversight committee meeting.
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- Opinion: The unpreferred and unaffordable Interstate Bridge replacement proposal
Rep. John Ley argues that the Interstate Bridge Replacement proposal is unpreferred, unaffordable, and failing to address congestion, cost transparency, and community concerns. - Opinion: IBR still holding and lying about coming billions in cost overruns
Joe Cortright argues that Interstate Bridge Replacement officials are deliberately delaying the release of an updated cost estimate that he says could push the project toward $10 billion. - Letter: A call for competent Interstate Bridge project management
Rick Vermeers argues that unchecked scope, rising costs, and missed timelines threaten the survival of the Interstate Bridge Replacement project unless light rail is removed. - Rep. John Ley introduces bill to balance representation on Washington transportation boards
Legislation introduced by Rep. John Ley seeks to change how transportation board seats are allocated and prevent funding penalties tied to population-based representation rules. - Opinion: IBR administrator receives generous Christmas gift on his way out the door
Ken Vance argues that IBR leadership avoided accountability on rising project costs as Administrator Greg Johnson announced his departure without providing updated estimates.
