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Interstate Bridge program issues new cost estimate and proposes a phased bridge‑first funding package
Summary
Program staff said their updated 70th‑percentile planning estimate rose to about $15.2 billion and proposed a funded "core" phase (bridge replacement, I‑5/Hayden Island/SR‑14 connections, pre‑completion tolling, transit design) that can move forward to preserve federal grant funds while officials continue to pursue additional financing for the full corridor.
Carly Francis, interim program administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, updated the commission on a revised cost estimate and a proposed phased delivery plan intended to preserve federal funds and begin construction on the river crossing.
Francis said the program’s planning estimate has increased compared with earlier 2022 planning figures. Staff reported a 70th‑percentile planning estimate in the $13.5–$15.2 billion range (a likely midpoint cited at roughly $14.4 billion at that probability band), reflecting national construction‑cost increases, an adjusted inflation forecast, schedule extensions and updated scope and risk assumptions.
To protect at‑risk federal dollars and advance work that demonstrates independent utility, staff proposed a funded, bridge‑first phase: replacing the Columbia River bridges, constructing I‑5 and Hayden Island/SR‑14 connections, providing a shared‑use path and financing pre‑completion tolling and transit design. That "core" package was presented with an initial cost estimate of about $7.65 billion and staff said Treasury/Oregon finance reviews raised the project’s potential toll‑back funding from $1.25B to $1.5B, narrowing the funding gap.
Francis said the program is focused on a tight federal schedule to obtain an amended Record of Decision and to avoid lapse of certain federal earmarks this fall. If the federal approvals proceed, staff expects to issue a request for qualifications and then a progressive design‑build procurement, with a contract award target in 2027 and construction beginning in 2028. Staff stressed that the bridge package has independent utility and would be open to vehicles and active transportation users on completion.
Commissioners and staff discussed value engineering and procurement packaging to control costs; staff said they will continue to pursue additional federal grants and refine cost estimates and risk allocations as procurements proceed.
