I-5/columbia river interstate bridge - replacement

This $6,442,122.28 federal Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (CFDA 20.205 - Highway Planning and Construction) supports the replacement and upgrade of the I-5 bridges and North Portland Harbor bridges over the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon. Key project components include:

• Replacing the existing bridges with new seismically resilient bridges
• Modifying three interchanges in Oregon and four in Washington to improve traffic flow and safety
• Adding auxiliary lanes and installing tolling infrastructure
• Enhancing and extending bus rapid transit (VINE) and light rail transit (MAX) service across the new bridges
• Constructing a new transit hub to integrate multimodal transportation options
• Expanding and upgrading existing transit operations and maintenance facilities
• Building new active transportation facilities

The project aims to improve infrastructure resilience, transportation connectivity, and multimodal accessibility across the Columbia River corridor. The grant was awarded on September 23, 2024 to the Washington State Department of Transportation as the primary awardee.

Project description

Update the I-5 bridges (5/1W and 5/1E) and the north portland harbor bridges over the columbia river with new seismically resilient bridges. Modify three interchanges in oregon (north victory blvd., marine DR., and hayden island) and four in washington (SR 14, E mill plain blvd., E fourth plain blvd., and SR 500/39TH ST.). Add auxiliary lanes. Install toll facilities and implement tolling in oregon and washington. Enhance and extend bus rapid transit (VINE) and light rail transit (max) service, including over the two new I-5 bridges. Construct a transit hub that links the two. Expand and upgrade existing transit operations and maintenance facilities. Construct new active transportation facilities. The PE phase includes reevaluating the purpose and need, scope of work, and the environmental permits; developing a financial plan; and reengaging with project stakeholders.