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: Portland’s War on Cars Part 4 – A smarter automobile strategy to end gridlock
O’Toole argues fuel wasted in Portland-area congestion has sextupled since 1982, generating 250,000 tons of extra greenhouse gases annually. - Opinion: Transit ridership trends are dismal but regional plans are oblivious
Puget Sound transit passenger-miles fell 31% from 2015 to 2024 despite a half-million-resident population increase. - Interstate Bridge Replacement Program seeks qualified firms for bridge replacement contract
The CRBR project is backed by $5.7 billion from state funds, federal grants, and future tolling. - Opinion: Bankrupt – A $3.5 billion Rose Quarter Freeway widening project
Joe Cortright argues ODOT’s Rose Quarter project has grown from a $450M approval to a $3.5B estimate, with a $2B funding gap. - Opinion: Portland’s War on Cars 3 – Ending the war on automobiles
O’Toole argues Portland should add toll lanes, fix safety hazards, and redesign TriMet routes to end its anti-auto policies.
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