Today's Columbian carries AWB president Don Brunell's column, a timely reminder of the importance of the I-5 bridge connecting Washington with Oregon.
Currently, we have two sets of bridges spanning the Columbia River on I-5 and I-205 — that’s it. ... they will eventually have to be upgraded, rebuilt and replaced....Capacity is an issue as more people and cargo cross the I-5 Bridge. The side-by-side spans, with three lanes in each direction, are the only remaining drawbridges on I-5. Periodically, they have to close when tugs, barges and large pleasure craft need to pass. So, the I-5 bridge complex itself causes traffic delays. Fortunately, that is not the case on I-205.
As Brunell points out, the Portland-Vancouver metro areas has experienced tremendous population growth, with more expected. Failing to provide for increased capacity has clear competitiveness consequences.
Columbia River Crossing (CRC) ... estimates that five major sectors of the Northwest economy are impacted by the I-5 Bridge: Wood products; transportation equipment and steel; agriculture and food products; high tech; and distribution and wholesale. These industries make up 30 percent of the region’s economy but account for 70 percent of the freight tonnage.
AWB has been working with its Oregon counterpart to advocate for the CRC project.
