
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:
- Rep. John Ley’s new bill calls for an independent audit of Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement ProjectRep. John Ley introduced legislation requiring an independent audit of the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project to review costs, management, and oversight.
- Opinion: IBR’s evasive, misleading and dishonest excuses for higher costJoe Cortright argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has withheld detailed cost estimates while offering contradictory explanations for rising costs tied to the I-5 Bridge project.
- Rep. David Stuebe sponsors bill to strengthen enforcement of auto insurance laws and protect Washington driversRep. David Stuebe has introduced HB 2308, a bill aimed at strengthening enforcement of Washington’s auto insurance laws and increasing accountability for repeat uninsured drivers.
- Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement’s Park & Ride insanityBob Ortblad criticizes the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s proposed Park & Ride garages, arguing the costs are excessive and unlikely to receive federal funding.
- Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement $13.6 billion estimate is too low! Bob Ortblad argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s $13.6 billion cost estimate understates the true expense, citing comparable projects, construction challenges, and engineering assumptions.






