Bob Ortblad warns of what will happen if the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program team’s plan to politically pressure the Coast Guard to accept its Locally Preferred Alternative

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

Washington and Oregon are risking $2.5 billion of federal grants to replace the Columbia River I-5 Bridge. The U.S.Coast Guard has suggested the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) consider a tunnel as an alternative to an impractical tall bridge (178-foot clearance). 

The USCG must see that the IBR’s “Tunnel Concept Assessment” is incorrect and misleading. The IBR is ignoring the USCG‘s 178-foot clearance requirement and has pressed municipalities and agencies to approve its “Locally Approved Alternative” (LPA) a too low bridge (116-foot clearance).  

If the IBR‘s plan to politically pressure the USCG to accept its LPA fails, federal funds will go to better projects.

The Washington-Oregon Legislative Committee should support the USCG’s tunnel evaluation recommendation and hire a consultant, independent of the IBR, to do an honest evaluation of an I-5 immersed tunnel. 

Bob Ortblad, MSCE, MBA
Seattle

---

Also read:

• 
  Opinion: Half the road, full stop – Understanding pedestrian right-of-way
  Doug Dahl explains how Washington’s law requires drivers to stop when a pedestrian is within one lane of their half of the road, not just when directly in front.
• 
  Opinion: The state’s RFK-proofing bill comes with a cost
  Mandates like HB 2242 can lead to higher premiums as insurance companies absorb costs for new preventive services, affecting affordability statewide.
• 
  Opinion: What is the cost of a bridge?
  John Ley argues the I-5 Bridge replacement’s soaring cost stems from costly extras like light rail, noting other states deliver larger, toll-free bridges for much less.
• 
  POLL: Do you agree with giving a state commission the power to remove an elected sheriff?
  A new poll asks if a state commission—not voters—should have the power to remove an elected sheriff, following concerns raised by Clark County Sheriff John Horch.
• 
  Opinion: Defending Democracy by denying it?
  Washington voters are blocked from weighing in on new income taxes as state lawmakers and officials bypass public input, drawing criticism from Northwest voices.