New agreements with affected river users move the I-5 Bridge project closer to a fixed-span design, raising questions about whether 116 feet of clearance is the right solution
Oregon and Washington transportation officials have signed agreements with the four river users identified as impacted by the proposed 116-foot fixed-span I-5 Bridge replacement, clearing a major hurdle as the project heads to the U.S. Coast Guard for review. Supporters say the taller fixed span would eliminate the only “stoplight” on I-5 between Canada and Mexico, improve reliability, and avoid the higher construction and long-term maintenance costs associated with a movable bridge. The agreements — totaling $140 million, paid only if the Coast Guard approves the design and construction begins — are intended to address economic impacts to river users and demonstrate project readiness. With the Coast Guard’s decision expected in early 2026, this week’s poll asks: is a 116-foot fixed span the right choice for the I-5 replacement?
More info:
Agreements reached with four river users identified as impacted by proposed I-5 Bridge replacement
Also read:
- Opinion: Greg Johnson’s $2 million contract delivered a huge mess
Johnson’s $1.9M pay coincided with IBR costs tripling and construction timeline doubling to 20 years. - Cracking down on rough roads along I-5 in Vancouver
Crews are rebuilding 2.2 miles of southbound I-5 using a crack, seat and overlay method through summer 2026. - Opinion: IBR Environmental Review confirms impacts to Hayden Island while leaving key safeguards undefined
59 residential displacements and up to 15 years of construction face Hayden Island under the IBR’s Final SEIS. - Vancouver prepares for 2026 pavement season
Vancouver’s $14 million pavement program will pave or preserve over 100 lane miles of street this summer. - Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement lies and nonsense
Ortblad’s comment asked whether IBR studied routing 28,000 daily trucks to rail and I-205 by 2040.
