As officials plan a vote on new I-5 bridge, groups urge design options that support mass transit

Officials will vote on using state money on a new I-5 bridge.

The Metro Council is expected to vote on Jan. 6 on whether to authorize approximately $36 million in state spending for a new I-5 bridge that connects Washington State and Oregon.

Officials said plans for a new span need to move forward in an effort to address increasing congestion and the threat of a major earthquake hitting the region. Transit activists, however, are concerned the new bridge will not have options like bike lanes and light rail.

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program said the Jan. 6 vote is simply procedural and would allow the agency to continue to look at different options for a new bridge. The goal in the next few months is to short list designs based on input from communities and public officials.

Brett Morgan of 1000 Friends of Oregon said he thinks the $36 million in state spending would be approved, and he wants strict guidelines to be followed to meet climate and equity goals. Back in November, groups like 1000 Friends sent a letter to leaders of the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project asking officials to carefully consider alternative design options.

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