More than 131,000 drivers crossed the Interstate Bridge between Portland and Vancouver each day in 2021 compared to 33,000 in 1961. (Grant Stringer/Oregon Capital Chronicle)
Fewer crashes, faster commutes, more transit options and less air pollution are among the expected benefits of replacing the Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River, linking Washington and Oregon, according to a new report released Friday.
There will be costs as well. Construction will require buying up as many as 43 homes and 36 businesses in the two states. Tolling to cover bridge operations will hit lower-income families hardest. And some vessels may be too tall to travel under a new span depending on the chosen design.
The report, known as the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, spans hundreds of pages. It examines potential impacts of locally preferred alternatives for a new bridge compared to doing nothing, or a “no build” option.
Its much-anticipated arrival provides some of the most specific details yet on how the massive, multi-billion undertaking will transform the region. Friday marked the start of a 60-day public comment period on its findings.