Brush Prairie resident Robert Mattilla shares the continued problems with plans for the I-5 Bridge replacement project
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 last time I checked, The Coast Guard, in charge of river traffic, and The Federal Aviation Administration, in charge of the airports, one on both sides of the river, are ninety feet apart on the height of the bridge. If they have not compromised in the 15 years of planning the bridge, they never will.
The best option I see is to expand the I-205 Bridge with another bridge on both sides of the existing ones, as there is no height problem there, and expand the roads leading to I-205. The other alternative would be to make the new bridges lift bridges. Otherwise it is a waste of time and money to keep on planning something that CANNOT BE BUILT.
I am not in favor of light rail, but putting it on the new bridge is not a good idea. If we can’t have a new bridge without it, put it on the railway bridge a mile west, or on the newer one of the existing bridges, the southbound one. In the case of a bridge lift, buses could fill in.
Bob Mattila
Brush Prairie
Also read:
- Opinion: ‘A more responsible approach must be sought’
Ken Vance argues a $10 billion funding gap makes the phased I-5 Bridge approach fiscally reckless, not responsible. - ‘Light rail to nowhere’? Surging costs undercut I-5 bridge transit plan
Vancouver’s promised light rail extension to Library Square has no timeline, and the waterfront station would sit 90 feet above ground. - Washington, Oregon transportation commissions to discuss Interstate 5 bridge tolling
Washington and Oregon commissions will jointly review I-5 bridge toll rate options and discount analysis on June 5. - County Public Works reminds residents to secure loads before hauling, to reduce dangerous roadside debris and litter
Unsecured vehicle loads cause more than 300 Washington crashes annually and dumped 150,000+ lbs of litter in Clark County in 2025. - Weekend paving work closes southbound I-205 entrance from I-5 in Vancouver May 29-31
Crews will use a smart work zone system with zipper merging to reduce delays during the I-205 closure.
wpDiscuz
