New I-5 bridge could be fully approved soon, sending it to environmental review stage
Written by RT&S Staff
The new I-5 bridge would replace the existing one that does not carry light rail.
The Modified Locally Preferred Alternative plan for the new I-5 bridge connecting the state of Washington with Oregon is building some nod momentum.
The Vancouver City Council was the latest to nod in approval of the design. Six more agencies need to vote on the plan before the project moves into the environmental review stage. Portland’s TriMet Board of Directors gave its approval back on June 22. The Modified Locally Preferred Alternative plan will be up for approval with the six remaining agencies throughout this week.
The plan includes an extension of light rail from the Portland Expo Center through Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver. The line would use the new I-5 bridge, and it would mark the first time the MAX system would make stops in Vancouver. The bridge will have three travel lanes in each direction, one auxiliary lane in both the northbound and southbound direction, and two shoulder lanes that would be used by express buses and emergency vehicles.
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