Sam Churchill shares a long list of issues with the project
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
As a Hayden Island resident, I have concerns about the proposed Interstate Bridge replacement.
Bridge issues:
- The Interstate Bridge Replacement Plan doesn’t yet know what the design is.
- The cost estimate is inaccurate. How much more than $3.5B-$5B WILL it cost?
- The Vancouver ramps (in sandy soil) would be the steepest in the country (6.7%). Dangerous. A lawsuit.
- The 3.9% incline of the bridge slows trucks by 20 mph, causing congestion. The 3.9% descent causes accidents when wet.
- Coast Guard requires 178 ft of clearance. NOT 116 ft.
- Bridge pylon rebar must go down 350 ft to hit solid ground.
- Is the license plate database sold? To whom?
- Architectural projects now provide photo-realistic rendering, often with full motion simulation. The WSDOT/ODOT drawings are inaccurate and frankly laughable. For example, light rail lacks ANY overhead catenary power infrastructure.
Island issues:
- Max train can offer NO Express service. Too many stops. Slow and inconvenient.
- The Bridge toll kills Hayden Island’s Mall.
- Manheim’s Car auction will close, taking dozens of local businesses with it.
- What reparations for loss of Mall, businesses, housing, pollution, noise, tolls, property values.
- How is Hayden Island’s large Latino and minority population served?
One bridge option is NOT an option.
- A lift or bascule bridge solves the height problem.
- An immersed tunnel solves the ramp safety violations.
- A tunnel for mass transit (a la Musk or other) is cheaper and safer.
In conclusion, the IBR project appears to violate basic safety considerations with ramps that are too steep and a height that slows traffic.
The bulk of the budget is spent “fixing” the raised highway problem, north and south of the bridge. Not the bridge. It destroys the economic vitality of Hayden Island and its future.
The height of the bridge is the main problem. That could be solved with a lift bridge or an immersed tunnel.
Sam Churchill
Hayden Island resident
Also read:
- Letter: ‘Immigration’ resolution scheduled for this Wednesday at Clark County Council Meeting
Rob Anderson urges residents to closely watch an upcoming Clark County Council meeting where an immigration-related resolution and proposed rule changes are expected to be discussed. - Opinion: The 1700-square-foot solution to Washington’s housing crisis
An opinion column arguing that Washington’s energy code has driven up housing costs and outlining how HB 2486 aims to limit those impacts for smaller, more affordable homes. - Letter: Public school vision
Clark County resident Larry Roe urges a deeper community discussion about public school priorities, levy funding, and the long-term affordability of education for local families. - Opinion: House Bill 1834 would create a regulatory nightmare and restricts parental control on social media
Mark Harmsworth argues that House Bill 1834 would undermine parental authority and create sweeping regulatory and legal risks under the guise of protecting minors online. - Opinion: HB 2100 – Tax employers for paying people well? It’s for the needy, sorta
Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues House Bill 2100 would raise costs, discourage job growth, and expand state spending power under the banner of helping people in need.
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