Bi‑state Columbia River bridge program advances to procurement with progressive design‑build strategy

Carly Francis, interim program administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, told the commission the program completed an amended Record of Decision and an initial finance plan and is preparing procurement documents for a progressive design‑build contract to replace the Columbia River bridges and related approaches.

"The cost figure that we've shared before has come down to 7,090,000,000 from 7,650,000,000," Carly Francis told the commission, referring to the core set of projects and the 70% probability cost figure for the first funded phase. Staff described a procurement timeline with an RFQ issued Aug. 17, voluntary submitter meetings in late August, shortlisted teams and an RFP in late 2026, and selection of a progressive design‑build partner in spring 2027 with a target construction start in 2028.

Program staff said the progressive design‑build model will include transparent pricing, an independent cost estimator, a guaranteed maximum price phase after 60% design, and an off‑ramp if the GMP is not acceptable. The by‑state agreement designates WSDOT as the lead contracting agency for bridge construction work while preserving substantial Oregon involvement in management, finance and design review. Commissioners asked how Oregon’s financial oversight will be preserved in a bi‑state structure; staff said the OTC retains authority over any additional state funding requests and will receive regular program briefings.