Light rail on new I-5 bridge comes with more financial benefits

A new I-5 crossing will not accommodate high-speed rail.

As officials in the states of Washington and Oregon try to make a new I-5 bridge a reality, it appears a span that includes light rail will be more beneficial.

Members of the Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee recently heard updates on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. Much of the discussion centered on the cost of a project, which could be as much as $4.8 billion if it features light rail and $4.3 billion if there is more of a bus rapid transit approach. However, more federal funding would be available for a bridge that accommodated light rail. Federal Transit Authority grants range from $250-930 million for the project.

The finance plan also shows tolling producing up to $1.3 billion. Pre-completion tolling could generate another $300 million.

There still is a funding gap, one that could be as high as $2.3 billion. Both Oregon and Washington will have to contribute between $750 million and $1 billion to the project.

Funding estimates are based on construction of the new span beginning in 2025, with the bridge opening for business in 2030.

Advisory groups for the project could begin meeting as early as January.

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