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The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program team released the project鈥檚 (SEIS) on Friday. That marked the start of the 60-day public comment period, which will run through Nov. 18.

During this period, community members are encouraged to review and provide feedback on the document. Public input will help inform technical analysis and design options that will refine the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) that will advance into the final SEIS phase.

The Draft SEIS is a key milestone for the project and the community, IBR Program administrator Greg Johnson said during a press conference on Friday. The document compares the Modified LPA to a no-build alternative, which is what the team would pursue if it does not receive adequate investments for the Modified LPA, Johnson said.

The Modified LPA calls for construction of a new pair of Columbia River bridges west of the existing bridge. Three bridge configuration options are under consideration: a single-level fixed-span, a double-deck fixed-span, and a single-level movable-span. The project would also include improvements to Interstate 5 and seven interchanges, a light rail extension from the Portland Expo Center to Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver, Washington, and improvements for people who walk, bike or roll through the area.

The Draft SEIS looks at impacts on transportation, energy, water navigation, noise and community. Plans call for capturing stormwater in an enclosed system, treating it in contained basins, and then sending cleaner water into the Columbia River.

鈥淲e鈥檙e also looking at other things such as environmental justice, land use, and impacts on neighborhoods,鈥� Johnson said.

With proposed investments for the Modified LPA, the Draft SEIS anticipates a reduction in crashes throughout the corridor, IBR assistant program administrator Frank Green said. The no-build option could lead to crashes increasing 28 percent while a build option could result in crashes decreasing 13 to 18 percent. The SEIS also expects fewer motor vehicle drivers to cross a new bridge than those who cross the current bridge.

The Draft SEIS anticipates a reduction in travel time with the Modified LPA. Currently, the corridor experiences about 10 hours of congestion per day, Green said. While the no-build option could see congestion increase to about 14 hours for northbound traffic and 16 hours for southbound traffic, the Modified LPA could see it decrease to about 6 to 9 hours for northbound traffic and about 4.5 to 4.7 hours for southbound traffic, according to the Draft SEIS.

Also, the document indicates that the project would have high impacts via tolling and land acquisition. Construction of a new bridge would require acquisition of several properties along I-5 as well as relocation of residents. The project team anticipates 43 residential units would need to be acquired. The team plans to communicate with property owners before construction commences.

The IBR Program website provides more information on the Draft SEIS as well as information on upcoming public events. Community members can provide comments in writing, over the phone, or in person at a public hearing. The first public hearing on the draft will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington.