Casey and Salome from the I5 Bridge went over the project’s slide deck.
o Introduction program map, the program covers a total of 5 miles, not just the bridge itself.
o The bridge is part of the corridor that goes from Canada to Mexico, long hold used. Is 5 miles long.
o 2022 Washington committed a billion dollars and Oregon just signed its part.
o At the end of the year, it will be a public comments opportunity
o NIPA looks at environmental impact and the social environmental impact
o There are 7 interchanges on the 5-mile
o The project will add a light rail and bus line.
They are trying to work with the conflicting request, a drawn bridge would impact traffic but would allow large ships from the business upstream. There are 5 businesses that need a higher bridge or a drawn bridge. A higher bridge is not possible because the bridge will touch down in Hayden Island and to make it high enough it would become too steep for bicyclists and pedestrians.
States will be working together on the hiring process and the program in general. The two consulting teams are working together. Part of the project plan is to hire workers locally and work to start to train high school students to acquire the skills they will be needing for the construction. The construction is expected to last between 10 and 15 years.
IBR is committed to working with Disadvantaged Businesses. They will be working with firms in obtaining their DBE certification. The slide deck contains information on how to contract with ODOT and WSDOT.
Tolling will be a bistate effort. Oregon will start a toll program, one on Abernathy, 205 and I5. There is expected a small amount of traffic diversion to 30th due to the tolls. Currently, NIPA is studying the tolling. Washington already has a route for tolling for Oregon would be new.
Casey showed the map of the project that is available on the website.
More information about the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project.