Interstate Bridge Replacement team raises estimated cost, proposes 'core' first‑step and seeks timeline agreement
Program staff updated commissioners on a new March estimate that puts the Interstate Bridge Replacement most‑likely cost at $14.4 billion (70th percentile), proposed a reduced 'core' funded first phase (~$5.68B) and requested timelines and STIP alignment while warning of federal deadlines and funding risks.
The full story
Program staff for the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) told the Oregon Transportation Commission the program’s March 2026 cost estimate produced a most‑likely (70th percentile) number of about $14.4 billion. Carly Francis, interim IBR program administrator, and ODOT finance staff said the revision reflects three drivers: large nationwide construction cost escalation since 2022, schedule extensions (the program moved from a ~10‑year to a ~20‑year construction horizon), and a robust program‑level risk allowance ($4.2 billion) added to base costs and escalation.
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