Retired engineer Bob Ortblad raises safety concerns 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
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) is bribing C-TRAN with a promise of eight double-decker electric buses in exchange for C-TRAN’s support of IBR’s freeway expansion and
dangerous bridge.
These double-decker buses will travel in a bus-on-shoulder lane only three feet from the guardrail The IBR’s bridge will have a steep 4 percent downgrade as well as a curve
plus a frequently wet or icy bridge deck.
AdditIonally, a 60 mph crosswind (occurring 175 hours/year) could potentIally blow a double-decker bus sideways and up and over the guardrail. A loaded bus of 80 riders could plunge 150 feet into the Columbia River or drop 100 feet onto downtown Vancouver.
The same deadly wind and road conditions will cause recreational vehicles, trailers, and empty semi-trucks to be blown out of their lane or completely over.
This is the latest example of IBR’s incompetent leadership. Previously, the IBR has fraudulently disqualified a safer Immersed tunnel alternative that would protect traffic from wind, rain, and ice.
Bob Ortblad MSCE, MBA
Retired Professional Engineer
Seattle
Also read:
- Letter: C-TRAN Board improper meeting conduct
Camas resident Rick Vermeers criticizes the C-TRAN Board for misusing parliamentary procedure during a controversial vote on light rail. - Opinion: TriMet’s ‘fiscal cliff’ a caution for Clark County taxpayersRep. John Ley warns that Portland’s financially troubled TriMet transit system could pose major risks to Clark County taxpayers as the I-5 Bridge replacement moves forward.
- Travel Advisory: Expect daytime delays on northbound I-5 near Woodland for guardrail repairs, April 18WSDOT will close the left lane of northbound I-5 near Woodland on Friday, April 18, to repair guardrail and improve driver safety.
- Belkot speaks before C-TRAN board; directors pause vote on light rail funding language until JulyMichelle Belkot spoke at Tuesday’s C-TRAN board meeting, calling her removal from the board unlawful; directors postponed a vote on light rail funding language until July amid legal challenges.
- Travel Advisory: Expect delays on northbound I-5 near RidgefieldWSDOT is warning travelers to expect delays near Exit 14 on northbound I-5 in Ridgefield as crews begin barrier and lane improvement work supporting future development.
