Leadership change and sharp drops in transit projections raise new questions about the future of the I-5 Bridge project
The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program is facing renewed scrutiny after Administrator Greg Johnson announced he will step down at the end of the year and the project team slashed its transit ridership projections by 84 percent. The updated figures, along with major cuts to operations and maintenance estimates, have fueled public frustration and legislative concern over the accuracy of the project’s earlier claims. Critics argue that years of planning and hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars have failed to produce credible answers about ridership demand or congestion relief. With confidence in the project waning, this week’s poll asks: what should happen next for the I-5 Bridge replacement effort?
More info:
Opinion: The IBR guts transit ridership projections by 84 percent and O&M costs by over half
John Ley writes that the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has slashed its projected transit ridership by 84 percent, raising questions about accuracy, leadership, an...
Read more
Also read:
- Letter: Buyer beware (caveat emptor)
Bob Ortblad argues the IBR recycled a $200M bridge design while spending $30M on public relations. - Ferguson rebuffs GOP lawmaker’s call to pause WA climate law
Ferguson’s office says high gas prices stem from Trump’s war in Iran, not a climate law emergency. - Opinion: Comparing destruction vs refurbishment of the Interstate Bridges
Rep. John Ley argues $390M earmarked for bridge demolition could fund a seismic retrofit and new express span instead. - WSP ‘Surviving Summer’ campaign begins in June
More than 1,500 people have died in Washington summer crashes over the past eight seasons, averaging 60 fatal collisions per month. - Opinion: ‘A more responsible approach must be sought’
Ken Vance argues a $10 billion funding gap makes the phased I-5 Bridge approach fiscally reckless, not responsible.
wpDiscuz
