Lars Larson shares his concerns about the elusive cost estimate of the I-5 Bridge replacement project
Lars Larson
The Northwest Nonsense
Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.
Economist Joe Cortright delivered that warning to the Portland City Council about the single biggest public works project in the Pacific Northwest.
Cortright points out that the man leading the soon-to-fail Interstate 5 Bridge replacement project is hiding new cost estimates that seem likely to push the project past $10 billion.
Oregon and Washington plan to start the bridge project next year
They have absolutely no idea how they’re going to pay for it.
Greg Johnson, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program czar, promised a cost estimate a year ago in June, then promised summer of this year.
Now he says it may come late this year or even next year.
Why hold it back? Cortright points out ODOT has a bad history of cost overruns. Abernathy Bridge, still not finished and not paid for, ballooned from $200 million to $800 million. Hood River Bridge replacement more than doubled.
Now, ODOT claims it’s broke and needs a taxpayer bailout.
The last estimate on the Interstate Bridge replacement project came in at $7.5 billion 20 months ago.
No wonder Greg Johnson is hiding the ball.
When the bridge project dies, so does his quarter million dollar salary for leading it to failure.
Also read:
- Opinion: IBR’s evasive, misleading and dishonest excuses for higher cost
Joe Cortright argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has withheld detailed cost estimates while offering contradictory explanations for rising costs tied to the I-5 Bridge project. - Rep. David Stuebe sponsors bill to strengthen enforcement of auto insurance laws and protect Washington drivers
Rep. David Stuebe has introduced HB 2308, a bill aimed at strengthening enforcement of Washington’s auto insurance laws and increasing accountability for repeat uninsured drivers. - Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement’s Park & Ride insanity
Bob Ortblad criticizes the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s proposed Park & Ride garages, arguing the costs are excessive and unlikely to receive federal funding. - Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement $13.6 billion estimate is too low!
Bob Ortblad argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s $13.6 billion cost estimate understates the true expense, citing comparable projects, construction challenges, and engineering assumptions. - Opinion: ‘The drama and the waste of taxpayer money continues’
Rep. John Ley outlines his objections to the approved fixed-span I-5 Bridge design, citing cost concerns, engineering standards, funding uncertainty, and opposition to light rail and tolls.
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