91视频

The effort to replace the aging Interstate Bridge, estimated to cost $6 billion, is steadily moving forward, with significant milestones on the horizon. Program Administrator Greg Johnson on Wednesday highlighted pivotal developments while updating the Executive Steering Group, which was convening for the final time this year.

Considerable progress was made this year, with both Oregon and Washington committing funds to the program, Johnson said. Oregon recently approved a $1 billion commitment, ensuring the team can seek federal funds.

鈥淭hat was the last piece of the puzzle for our local match,鈥� Johnson said.

With the local commitment in place, the region鈥檚 competitiveness in securing federal grants is enhanced, with Johnson saying that it demonstrates 鈥渢hese two states are solidly committed to getting this project done.鈥�

Washington has also taken a significant step by authorizing tolling for the new bridge 鈥� a crucial measure to secure vital funding. Additionally, the state allocated the first installment of the $1 billion it had previously committed in the Move Ahead Washington transportation package last year.

Program schedule and milestones

The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program is in the environmental impact report phase, which is projected to continue until early 2025. Following this phase, the IBR team will seek to receive a final record of decision from federal agencies.

One of the most critical upcoming milestones will be entering the in-water work period in 2026, when underwater drilling begins for the new bridge shafts. This period, which typically spans from September to February, is vital for the project鈥檚 timeline. Missing the 2026 target, Johnson said, would lead to a one-year delay in bridge construction that could potentially increase project costs by up to $300 million due to inflation. That would impact tolling rates.

Meanwhile, a U.S. Coast Guard bridge permit and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation channel approval are needed prior to the start of in-water work. Last year, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a preliminary determination that clearance of at least 178 feet would be needed for a fixed bridge design. The IBR team had proposed a fixed height of 116 feet.

Ray Mabey, assistant program administrator, outlined two avenues currently under consideration. The first would involve collaborating with potentially affected upriver users to assess whether the bridge鈥檚 height requirements for their businesses are lower than the mandated 178-foot clearance. If the height could be reduced, an agreement could be reached, enabling the Coast Guard to issue a revised navigation clearance. The second option would entail designing a movable bridge span that meets the 178-foot clearance.

Cost and funding

The IBR program is actively seeking a $1 billion Capital Investment Grant (CIG), the U.S. Department of Transportation鈥檚 largest discretionary and competitive grant program. In September, the Federal Transit Administration approved the IBR program to enter the first phase of the grant process, subject to completion of various project development steps within two years 鈥� including 30 percent of the transit design, and analysis of potential bridge materials. Potential reception of full grant funding is expected in early 2028.

Next steps

The next critical phase for the IBR program is development of a construction delivery plan with identification of construction contracting information for the 5-mile corridor, Johnson said. Construction is projected to take place between late 2025 and 2032, with sequencing starting at the river crossing and its approaches. Preliminary information on construction packages, including sequencing, schedule, delivery methods, and contract values, will be provided early next year.