Bob Ortblad scrutinizes IBR ramp design
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
Three years ago, I created and posted a graphic of a possible “Shared Use Path.” The graphic accurately depicted the difficulty of a 100-foot climb to the bridge level. Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) officials were not happy with my depiction and promised to consider future multiple ramp designs.
The latest of these designs was presented at an IBR workshop on August 27, 2025, by Knight Architects, a costly firm from London. Knight’s design has a grade of 4%, is about a half-mile-long, with turns totaling 810-degrees.
A small model of the shared use path was presented to an IBR architectural advisory group in October.
IBR October newsletter https://mailchi.mp/interstatebridge/ibroctober2025newsletter
Knight Architects’ ramp design may have been inspired by a Disney Cruise water slide. For an average walker or biker, the distance, grade, and turns will make the climb exhausting and disorienting. The descent will be terrifying. Knight Architects has a $1.4 million contract; how much was wasted on this flawed design and model?
Bob Ortblad MSCE, MBA
Seattle
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.
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