Welcome to the Roadscapes Wednesday segment! Each week here on Geek Alabama, Roadscapes Wednesday will feature roads and infrastructure related topics. Geek Alabama Editor / Publisher Nathan Young is often called the “road geek” for a good reason, Nathan loves roads and loves talking about roads!
The Interstate 5 (I-5) bridge over the Columbia River is a critical link between Oregon and Washington, carrying nearly 50 million vehicles annually. However, its aging design, earthquake vulnerability, and frequent congestion have made its replacement inevitable. The proposed Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project is expected to cost between $5 and $7.5 billion, with funding from federal grants, tolls, and state contributions. Six design options are being considered, including an extradosed bridge, finback bridge, and movable lift-span bridge.
The project faces significant controversy due to rising costs, new tolls on a previously free crossing, and concerns over the design. Critics point out that tolls could reduce traffic on I-5, potentially overburdening nearby routes. Additionally, concerns about river clearance for maritime traffic and the inclusion of multimodal features such as pedestrian and bike lanes have sparked debate.
Categories: Roadscapes Stuff
