
New cost estimates and withheld information have raised fresh questions about transparency inside the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
A recent report by Oregon Journalism Project reporter Nigel Jaquiss details internal documents showing IBR consultants completed updated cost estimates months before legislators were told no new figures were available. Those estimates put the I-5 Bridge replacement project as high as $13.6 billion, far above earlier public numbers. In response, some lawmakers say they were misled, while IBR officials maintain the figures were only draft estimates. This poll asks whether the public believes IBR staff were truthful with lawmakers about the project’s true cost.
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Opinion: ‘The IBR team has been lying to us and thanks to a veteran Oregon journalist, we have the smoking gun’
Ken Vance argues newly obtained documents show Interstate Bridge Replacement staff withheld updated cost estimates from lawmakers and the public.
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Also read:
- Opinion: Hidden costs, withheld documents, and a $17 billion question – Why the Interstate Bridge Replacement demands immediate oversightGary Clark argues that withheld documents, rising cost estimates, and rejected alternatives show the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program requires immediate independent oversight.
- Opinion: The IBR’s $10-$12 billion funding problem and lack of truthfulnessRep. John Ley argues that escalating costs, funding shortfalls, and withheld information have undermined public and legislative confidence in the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
- POLL: With updated estimates reaching as high as $17.7 billion, what should happen to the I-5 Bridge replacement project?A new poll asks readers how the I-5 Bridge replacement project should proceed amid higher cost estimates and questions about transparency within the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.
- Opinion: ‘The IBR team has been lying to us and thanks to a veteran Oregon journalist, we have the smoking gun’Ken Vance argues newly obtained documents show Interstate Bridge Replacement staff withheld updated cost estimates from lawmakers and the public.
- Oregon Gov. Kotek calls for repeal of transportation funding package she championedOregon Gov. Tina Kotek is urging lawmakers to repeal a transportation funding package she previously supported after a referendum effort halted key tax increases.






