In a recent discussion at the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce’s Multi Chamber Transportation Round Table, John Ley raised a critical question about the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement Project. The $7.5 billion plan intends to replace the current 3-lane bridge with another 3-lane bridge, which will still be congested on the day it opens. Ley points out that by 2045, morning commute times from Salmon Creek to the Fremont Bridge are predicted to double, and half of the rush-hour traffic will be stuck moving at 0-20 mph. Ley calls out Oregon Rep. Susan McLain for providing a political answer filled with half-truths about improvements, highlighting that the Rose Quarter is currently stalled and will likely offer minimal relief. Where’s the value in such a costly project when it won’t solve the core issue of traffic congestion?
Transcript:
Good morning, John Ley, Clark County. The Portland metro area has the nation’s 12th worst traffic congestion, and we seem to be getting worse. The I-5 Interstate Bridge project is $7.5 billion and is going to replace a three-lane bridge with another three-lane road, which will still be congested on day one when it opens. My question is, where’s the value in spending a large amount of money on something like this? Is replacing an older, congested bridge with another congested bridge worth it?
I am happy to take that. First of all, what a nice question for this morning. It’s an important one, and I’ve been working for seven years on that project. In my estimation, I don’t interpret it the same way you do.
Let me explain why. First, we are doing really well with federal grants for this project because of the importance of the bridge to the West Coast, not just Oregon but for the entire region’s economy. It’s the most congested bridge, and it even has a stoplight because it opens up for river traffic. It’s ranked among the top 30 most congested places in the U.S.
Should we leave things as they are? I don’t think so. Now, let’s talk about the designs. There are at least four designs currently under environmental review, a requirement for the federal process, and that’s progressing well. Each design includes improvements. For instance, the current bridge lacks safety shoulders, which prevents emergency vehicles from crossing. All proposed designs will include safety shoulders, better bike and pedestrian paths, and auxiliary lanes that help manage the seven exits and entrances within a 3-to-5-mile stretch, allowing better traffic flow.
Additionally, clearing the center lanes for freight will help improve access to our ports. While we may not agree on the final design, I assure you it will be safer, less congested, and more functional, especially when paired with improvements at the Rose Quarter. These changes will provide a better experience compared to the last 15 to 20 years, and I appreciate your point of view.
