Area resident Bob Zak weighs in on recent news about the I-5 Bridge replacement project
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

Reading Representative John Ley’s report on the IBR and the Battle Ground Town Hall meeting, I agree with his conclusions about cost, reasonableness, and our needs. With all this political maneuvering by people like Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and her fellow Democrats to get their “light rail” into the package is concerning to say the least.
The comment from the US Coast Guard that this is a “bridge too low” seems to be taken NOT seriously. That should be a key in planning. I would trust that the Trump administration would look at this project very critically.
Our vote over the past years saying the toll/light rail thing is a “no go” would mean something. Something is wrong when our vote means nothing. Within this planning cycle that Rep. Ley mentions, there is time to bring change by voting in people that will listen.
Bob Zak
Vancouver, Hazel Dell, Lakshore
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 planVancouver’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 tollingWashington 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 litterUnsecured 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 29-31Crews will use a smart work zone system with zipper merging to reduce delays during the I-205 closure.






