PORTLAND, Ore. — After decades of debate and years of delays, the long-discussed Interstate 5 Bridge replacement between Oregon and Washington is officially on track to break ground in 2026. The project, which will replace the aging twin spans connecting Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, is considered one of the most critical transportation initiatives in the Pacific Northwest.
Greg Johnson, the Interstate Bridge replacement coordinator, confirmed this week that the project is advancing toward the necessary approvals. “We expect to get the required approval from the federal government and a finalized environmental impact statement in 2026,” Johnson said.
This update follows a briefing from the bi-legislative committee earlier in the week. The project is now entering a decisive phase, with one of the next major steps being an application to the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The USCG will determine what type of bridge design will move forward.
“That will tell us whether they will allow us to build a fixed span at 116 feet or we will be required to build another moveable span. We’re moving both of those options forward,” Johnson explained.
The decision could have major implications for the timeline and overall budget. A movable span could increase costs and complicate construction logistics, adding uncertainty to a project already under intense public scrutiny.
Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnery-Ogle has been one of the most vocal advocates for moving quickly, warning that continued delays could have steep financial consequences. “Any postponement in the timeline could eventually cost $1 million per day,” she said. The mayor also cautioned that slipping past deadlines could push the project into conflict with the federally protected salmon migration season. “Any stall in the process could lead to missing the 2027 ‘in-water work window’ for construction, leading to another full year delay due to protection of the salmon migration,” she added.
The stakes are high for both states. The current bridge, first opened in 1917 with its twin span added in 1958, is functionally obsolete and unable to meet modern traffic demands. The structure not only causes daily bottlenecks for commuters and freight trucks but also poses seismic and safety concerns in the event of a major earthquake.
Regional leaders argue that the replacement is not just about alleviating congestion, but also about ensuring the resilience and economic competitiveness of the Pacific Northwest. With I-5 serving as a vital corridor for cross-border trade, the bridge is essential for moving goods between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Public debate has also centered on how the new bridge will be funded, with tolling likely to be a major component. Experts have warned that tolls could climb as high as $20 in the future, sparking controversy among commuters who rely on the crossing daily.
Despite those concerns, supporters stress that moving forward is critical. If construction begins as scheduled in 2026, the project will not only modernize a century-old crossing but also address decades of traffic congestion and safety risks.
“This is a generational project,” Johnson said, noting that the outcome will shape the region’s economy, environment, and transportation network for decades.
Originally reported by Sarah Bagby in KATU News.
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