The ability to get from point A to point B in a reliable, safe, cost-effective way is central to Washington’s quality of life and strong economy.
Transportation plans developed by local, regional, and state agencies ensure that our policies and investments work together to keep Washington moving. Washington Transportation Plan 2040 and Beyond, adopted recently by the State Transportation Commission, is a key part of our coordinated planning and investment. When my fellow transportation commissioners and I listened to input from constituents across the state as we were developing 2040 and Beyond, we heard growing concerns about transportation challenges people face and we also heard innovative ideas and strategies to address these challenges.
The single topic receiving the most comments during the public review of 2040 and Beyond is the Washington-Oregon connection across the Columbia River. It is clear from letters we received and people we talked with at meetings that strengthening and expanding the critical connections between Vancouver and Portland is a pressing concern.
While people offered differing ideas about how to do this — from replacing and widening the existing Interstate 5 Bridge to constructing a new third bridge over the river — there is widespread support for tackling this very tough transportation problem.
Widespread impacts
Congestion on the Columbia River bridge impacts people and businesses every day. We heard of people starting their commutes at 4 a.m. to avoid congestion into Portland, while others told us of passing up job opportunities because of unreliable travel over the river. We heard about businesses turning down work on the other side of the river because of costs associated with relentless congestion.
I-5 is a vital economic freight corridor for Washington, Oregon, and the whole country. Delays on the border affect businesses around the state. Failure of the existing I-5 Bridge will have severe repercussions for industry and will be felt far beyond Washington and Oregon.
We are glad that the Legislature has provided funding for leaders to get back to the table and reboot this process, but there remains much to be done.
WTP 2040 and Beyond notes that the I-5 Bridge is not the only one needing attention. Many of the smaller bridges over the Columbia are old and functionally obsolete. Renewed bistate discussions should include all current and future bridges on the Columbia, with agreements to ensure ongoing trade and travel from east of the Cascades to the ocean.
Washington Transportation Plan 2040 and Beyond challenges us to find innovative solutions for addressing many long-standing mobility issues. The consequences of ignoring these issues are too great, with implications felt statewide. Our quality of life and economy depend upon reliable, safe, cost-effective transportation that works for all. Restarting conversations with Oregon about how to improve trade and travel across the Columbia River is but one example of how state leaders can move the dial on a vital issue in meaningful, incremental steps. Nothing less than Washington’s great quality of life and vibrant economy depends on it.
