The Regional Transportation Council is seeking public input on a proposed blueprint for major infrastructure-improvement projects through the middle of this decade.
The $512 million 2023-26 transportation-improvement program includes roughly 80 projects that received federal funding or that the Regional Transportation Council views as being of local importance. Estimated project costs range from low six digits to nearly $100 million.
“It’s an opportunity for people in the Clark County region to really see the major projects that are moving forward in the next four years,” said the planning manager for the Regional Transportation Council, Dale Robins.
Projects in the plan include work on the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement, bus rapid transit along Highway 99 from Salmon Creek to the Vancouver Waterfront, and reconstructing interchanges on I-5 and Mill Plain Boulevard.
It’s important for regional partners to work together on long-term projects, said Eric Florip, C-Tran manager of communications, marketing and customer experience.
“We want to ensure that our projects build off each other and that individual projects that are planned will mutually benefit the partners involved,” said Florip. “We all work together in the region.”
Most of the project has been planned and discussed for years, with some parts currently under construction.
The comment period opened Thursday. Written comments may be sent to the Regional Transportation Council, P.O. Box 1366, Vancouver, WA 98666-1366, or use the public feedback form through Oct. 4.
Comments may also be made during the Regional Transportation Council Board’s Zoom meeting at 4 p.m. Oct. 4. Information on how to participate in the RTC Board meeting may be found online the week prior.
Key projects
- $97.7 million to reconstruct the Interstate 5/Mill Plain Boulevard interchange.
- $90 million for the reevaluation of purpose and need and environmental permits, financial plan development and reengagement with project stakeholders for the replacement Interstate 5 Bridge.
- $78.1 million to replace the northbound Interstate 5 East Fork Lewis River Bridge.
- $50.4 million to construct interchange and roadway improvements at the Interstate 5/179th Street interchange.
- $50 million to C-Tran to build a third bus rapid transit line along Highway 99 from Salmon Creek to the Vancouver Waterfront.
- $47.3 million to resurface the roadway with chip seal or hot mix asphalt to preserve the structural integrity of the roadway and extend the service life of the pavement.
