
Soaring costs and delays renew debate over I-5 Bridge replacement
The Interstate 5 Bridge replacement is now expected to cost up to $10 billion, with final environmental approvals delayed until 2026 and construction possibly not beginning until 2032 or later. Lawmakers in Washington and Oregon are divided — some remain committed to completing the full project, while others argue it has spiraled into a costly “boondoggle” that should be dramatically scaled back or even ended. This week’s poll asks whether you think lawmakers should consider pulling the plug on the project.
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I-5 Bridge replacement slogs through permitting as costs rise
The I-5 Bridge replacement could cost $10 billion as delays push final environmental review to 2026, leaving lawmakers frustrated over rising costs and uncertain timeline...
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Also read:
- Opinion: Interstate Bridge replacement – the forever projectJoe Cortright argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project could bring tolling and traffic disruptions on I-5 through the mid-2040s.
- Opinion: Oversized tires and the frequency illusionDoug Dahl explains why tires that extend beyond fenders are illegal and how frequency illusion shapes perceptions about traffic safety.
- Opinion: IBR’s systematic disinformation campaign, its demiseNeighbors for a Better Crossing challenges IBR’s seismic claims and promotes a reuse-and-tunnel alternative they say would save billions at the I-5 crossing.
- Opinion: Is a state income tax coming, and the latest on the I-5 Bridge projectRep. John Ley shares a legislative update on a proposed state income tax, the I-5 Bridge project, the Brockmann Campus and House Bill 2605.
- Board authorizes C-TRAN to sign off on Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s SEISThe C-TRAN Board approved the Final SEIS for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, with Camas and Washougal opposing the vote over light rail cost concerns.






