Bob Ortblad predicts the IBR will probably withhold its new estimate until the end of the Washington state legislative session
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) team has promised a new official estimate by the end of March. Thanks to economist Joe Cortright’s public disclosure request, it is no secret that the IBR has been hiding an estimate of about $13.6 billion, twice the 2023 estimate. The IBR will probably withhold its new estimate until the end of the Washington state legislative session.
With only $5.5 billion, the IBR plans to start construction without full funding and call it a “construction sequencing and funding strategy.” The IBR has defined over two dozen construction packages that require 70 years of construction if done sequentially. The IBR must present a new schedule with its updated estimate. Will construction take 25 to 50 years?
“And by getting started, that’s the way to help manage the costs.” — WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith
“Start digging a hole and make it so big, there’s no alternative to coming up with the money to fill it in…” — Former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown
Bob Ortblad MSCE, MBA
Seattle
Also read:
- Opinion: ‘I-5 Bridge replacement plan does not accomplish the needs of the project’
Transportation architect Kevin Peterson outlines why the current I-5 Bridge proposal falls short on mobility, urban design, and transit, and offers alternative solutions including BRT and urban integration improvements. - Opinion: Two ways to keep right
Doug Dahl explains how Washington drivers must “keep right” differently depending on whether traffic flows in one direction or both, plus the exceptions that apply to two-way turn lanes. - C-TRAN board increases salary for CEO Leann Caver
C-TRAN CEO Leann Caver received a 2.5 percent raise as the board recognized her leadership and celebrated rising ridership numbers after years of recovery. - Clark County March storm response information and closures
Clark County Public Works is responding to reports of flooded roads and parks, with closures and safety advisories in effect as heavy rains impact the region. - C-TRAN: Light rail funding addressed again; changes are coming to C-TRAN board composition
C-TRAN approved new language tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program that shields smaller cities from light rail operating costs while shifting potential financial responsibility toward Vancouver and the urban growth area.
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