
A proposed East County Bridge would offer new traffic lanes and pedestrian paths without tolls or light rail — but would it move the region forward?
The idea of an East County Bridge—positioned east of the I-205 Glenn Jackson Bridge near 192nd Avenue—has resurfaced as a more affordable, common-sense alternative to the $7.5 billion I-5 Bridge replacement project. Proposed without tolls or light rail, the East County Bridge would add much-needed capacity and a new freight corridor between Clark County and Oregon. Supporters say it’s a faster, more practical solution to regional congestion. Opponents argue light rail and tolling must be part of the long-term plan.
More info:
Opinion: ‘The obvious conclusion is to take a simpler, more affordable first step to improving our regional transportation issues’
Ken Vance urges support for the East County Bridge, a toll-free alternative to costly I-5 plans, citing past voter approval and faster, more affordable congestion relief...
Read more
Also read:
- Opinion: Portland’s War on Cars Part 4 – A smarter automobile strategy to end gridlockO’Toole argues fuel wasted in Portland-area congestion has sextupled since 1982, generating 250,000 tons of extra greenhouse gases annually.
- Opinion: Transit ridership trends are dismal but regional plans are obliviousPuget Sound transit passenger-miles fell 31% from 2015 to 2024 despite a half-million-resident population increase.
- Interstate Bridge Replacement Program seeks qualified firms for bridge replacement contractThe CRBR project is backed by $5.7 billion from state funds, federal grants, and future tolling.
- Opinion: Bankrupt – A $3.5 billion Rose Quarter Freeway widening projectJoe Cortright argues ODOT’s Rose Quarter project has grown from a $450M approval to a $3.5B estimate, with a $2B funding gap.
- Opinion: Portland’s War on Cars 3 – Ending the war on automobilesO’Toole argues Portland should add toll lanes, fix safety hazards, and redesign TriMet routes to end its anti-auto policies.






