Recently, the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement project was awarded $1.5 billion of funding. Very good. That the edifice needs replaced is a given; my request is apply common sense to the project. It’s apparent the “idee fixe” is the impetus for forging ahead with replacement.
Little consideration has been given to the burgeoning population of Clark County and preponderance of increased commuting into Portland for employment; has anyone observed the explosion of multifamily dwellings being erected? I suggest a bridge similar to I-205 from N.E. 192nd Avenue to the east Airport Way/Troutdale area, and a second crossing from the west industrial area to St. John’s industrial area. The western bridge could be a swing-span so as to accommodate river traffic and heavy truck traffic to St. John’s and an alternate route to Interstate 5.
With two alternate paths to and from Oregon, the replacement of the I-5 Bridge would be facilitated. That light rail is desired can be accommodated later and be done as an extension of existing the MAX system without spending billions for acquisition of real estate with minimal disruption to vehicle traffic on existing roadways. Imagine being able to board MAX in PDX and detraining at Sea-Tac? Bellingham?
