Bob Ortblad says it is doubtful the Federal Transit Administration will fund IBR’s $1 billion grant application for this insanity
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
Economist Joe Cartwright and Willamette Week have exposed the $13.6 billion costs that the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) has been hiding. One of the most insane costs is $177 million for a Waterfront Park & Ride Station. Consultants plan to cut a fat hog, with design and project management estimated at 44% of $177 million, $78 million.
In 2024 Gramor Development opened an 829-space garage on Vancouver’s waterfront. The 2026 assessed valuation of this garage (less retail space) is $27 million, about $33,000 per parking space. The IBR is planning a 570-space Waterfront Park & Ride Stations at an estimated cost of $177 million, about $310,000 per parking space. This is over nine times the cost of Gramor Development spaces.
A private company like Gramor Development would never make this investment; a daily parking rate of $250 would be needed to cover capital and operating costs. However, the IBR wants a Waterfront Park & Ride to be free or cost much less than the market rate of $25/day, only a block away.
The IBR is also planning a $150 million, 770-space Evergreen Station. The IBR is planning these Park & Ride garages in a desperate effort to create ridership to justify $2 billion for light rail at Waterfront and Evergreen stations. It is doubtful the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will fund IBR’s $1 billion grant application for this insanity.
Park & Ride garages would also be a visual blight on downtown Vancouver, increase I-5 traffic, downtown congestion, urban sprawl, and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).
Bob Ortblad MSCE, MBA
Seattle
Also read:
- Expect delays on northbound I-205 in Vancouver for guardrail repairs March 4
WSDOT will close the left lane of northbound I-205 in Vancouver from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 4 for guardrail repairs between Exit 36 and the northbound I-5 on-ramp. - Letter: IBR’s money pit
Bob Ortblad argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is withholding a higher cost estimate while moving forward with limited funding and an unclear construction timeline. - Full closure: I-5 southbound off-ramp to Exit 11 in north Clark County for maintenance March 3
The southbound I-5 off-ramp to Exit 11 for SR 502/Battle Ground will close March 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for maintenance work. - Unnecessary, unaffordable add-ons likely to spell doom for the I-5 Bridge replacement project
Three Southwest Washington legislators argue the Interstate Bridge Replacement’s rising costs and added features threaten its viability. - Opinion: A-pillars – The safety feature that increases crashes
Doug Dahl explains how wider A-pillars designed to protect occupants in rollovers may also reduce visibility and increase crash risk for other road users.
