Oregon Transportation Commission approves STIP amendment to program $5.68 billion for Interstate Bridge replacement funded phase

The Oregon Transportation Commission voted to amend the 2024–27 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to program $5.68 billion for the Interstate Bridge Replacement funded phase. Vice Chair Beyer moved the amendment "as laid out on the screen," the motion was seconded and, after a roll call, Chair Brown announced "Motion carries." The roll call recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Baker, Commissioner Chang, Vice Chair Beyer and Chair Brown.

ODOT staff presented the funded-phase scope as replacement of the Columbia River bridges, connections to I‑5 and SR‑14, a shared-use path, width to accommodate future light rail and associated connections, and removal of the existing bridges. Carly Francis, interim program administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, told the commission the package being programmed includes program management, replacement-bridge engineering and construction, pre-completion tolling work and a new transit-design line item to advance design from 30% to 60%.

Staff said the STIP programming increase is necessary to meet federal requirements and to preserve federal awards the program is pursuing. "This total cost is 5,680,000,000, which we are looking to program," Francis said. She also told the commission the amendment is intended to allow the program to secure $1.5 billion in Bridge Investment Program funds and $600 million in other federal 'mega' funds and warned that about $546,000,000 in BIP funds could expire if not obligated by the end of September.

The staff presentation added bridge removal as a new STIP line item, with an estimated cost of $390,000,000, and set increases to other line items. Staff cautioned that final construction cost certainty depends on forthcoming contracting and the guaranteed maximum price negotiated with the progressive-design-builder. The commission was told it will continue to receive regular reporting on expenditures, risks and decisions as the project advances.

The commission’s vote programs the funded phase at the current available funding 'lid' and does not commit OTC to financing any future scope increases beyond the funds approved today. Chair Brown said the commission will continue coordination with Washington and will meet jointly with the Washington State Transportation Commission on June 5.