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The Oregon Transportation Commission on Thursday voted to move forward with an environmental assessment for a $795 million project to widen and improve Interstate 5 through Portland.

The commission directed the Oregon Department of Transportation to continue working on alternative designs for highway covers in consultation with local officials, and to move forward with congestion pricing on I-5 through the Rose Quarter.

The decision came despite a chorus of criticism urging the commission to require a more stringent environmental impact statement. Environmental advocates say the project will worsen climate change.

鈥�ODOT continues to deceive the public on the expansion’s expected impacts to local air pollution, regional carbon emissions and聽recurring traffic congestion,鈥� Aaron Brown, spokesman for the No More Freeways coalition, stated in an email message.

ODOT has steadfastly backed the project, pointing to a legislative mandate.

鈥淭he Rose Quarter freeway improvements will reduce congestion, improve safety and allow new transit facilities on the worst traffic bottleneck in the state and one of the most congested freeway corridors in the country,鈥� Commission Chairman Robert Van Brocklin stated in a news release.

City officials have questioned aspects of the project, including a portion of roadway that could overhang the Eastbank Esplanade 鈥� a popular trail for bicyclists and runners.

The project is only 15 percent designed, stated Megan Channell, Rose Quarter project director for ODOT.