A modern connection for a growing community

Interstate 5 provides a critical connection between Oregon and Washington that supports local jobs and families, and is a vital trade route for regional, national and international economies. Beyond the concrete and steel of the existing bridge is a thriving background of scenic views, natural systems and a rich history of our region’s national heritage.

We understand the vital link the bridge plays in connecting the region and the importance of the natural environment and health of our community. We are committed to finding a solution that will improve our transportation system, now and in the future.

Find out more
IBR bridge user, Randali
Image showing congestion and large trucks on the bridge
Collage of Advisory Group members and participants in the IBR program
Floating homes on Hayden Island
The Interstate Bridge lifting for a boat to pass under
IBR team attending the Vancouver Pride Festival and talking with Community members
We want to hear from you!


Do you have a comment on the proposed Interstate Bridge Replacement Program?

Now is the Time! The Public Comment Period is open from September 20 - November 18

Visit IBR Draft SEIS to learn more, review the document and leave a comment. 


Leave your mark on history.

Join the IBR program to help build a replacement Interstate Bridge that will span generations. Visit our employment opportunities page to learn more!

Image that says, Work with us, showing people interacting.



New River Crossing Visualizations!

Visualizations showing potential bridge types and interchange investments have been released. The visuals are not a final design and don’t reflect property impacts.
Click here for more information. 

Happening Now

Announcements

  • Request a presentation

    If you’re interested in having the Interstate Bridge Replacement team present to your community, use our presentation form to request a presentation. 

    Presentation request form

  • IBR Office Hours

    Do you have questions and want to speak to a real person? We answer questions on a range of topics, including design, equity,  opportunities, community engagement, financial plans, and much more! 

    Sign up now!

Centering Equity

The Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program is committed to centering equity in our processes and our outcomes. We are engaging  communities and elevating the voices of equity priority communities throughout our processes and ensuring these communities receive the program’s economic and transportation benefits. We also commit to not furthering harm to these communities.

Our Equity Commitment   Equity Advisory Group

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: A tunnel can solve the Interstate Bridge transportation problems just as easily as a bridge.
Fact.

A tunnel cannot be feasibly built within the footprint of I-5 without eliminating important connections to Hayden Island, downtown Vancouver and SR-14. It also comes with significantly more operational, environmental and historical resource impacts, and would cost more than a replacement bridge.

For more information about the suitability of an immersed tube tunnel, view the Tunnel Concept Assessment.

Myth: The IBR program will do nothing to improve freight mobility.
Fact.

The recommended Modified LPA aims to improve freight mobility through interchange design improvements, integration of ramp-to-ramp connections (auxiliary lanes), extension of light rail across the river, and improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Interchange improvements and auxiliary lanes can help freight move through the corridor safely and more efficiently compared to current conditions. Extending light rail across the river and improving active transportation options will promote mode shift for travelers currently using single-occupancy vehicles. With fewer cars on the road, additional space to merge safely, and thoughtful design considerations, freight can experience improved travel times and reliability. The proposed improvements will be thoroughly analyzed through the upcoming environmental review process to ensure they meet freight mobility objectives.

Myth: The new bridge will be dangerously steep and unsafe for users.
Fact.

While the previous planning effort identified a grade of just under 4% for a 116-foot clearance bridge design, the IBR program has not reached that level of design and final road grades have not been confirmed. It is not unusual to have highway grades at 4% or steeper. In both Oregon and Washington there are stretches of interstate highway that feature grades steeper than 5%.

As designs progress, the program will ensure that any design accounts for the safety of all modes of travel and will meet or exceed all local, federal, and state safety and design standards.

Myth: Why can’t you retrofit or replace other regional bridges using the money from the IBR program? Wouldn’t that be a more prudent use of taxpayer dollars?
Fact.

There is not one giant pot of money for the IBR program that can be used for other purposes like retrofitting bridges around the NW Oregon and SW Washington region. Funding for construction will come from a variety of sources, including state and federal transportation funding and tolling. All of these funding sources, whether they are dedicated by the state legislatures or competitive grants, must be approved specifically for the IBR program and must be used to address the identified transportation problems.

Even if it were possible to divert funding allocated to the IBR program, the need for a local and regional transportation system lifeline able to withstand a significant earthquake would remain. By replacing the Interstate Bridge with a new seismically resilient, multimodal solution, the IBR program would contribute to seismically updating the regional corridor along with improving transit options and reducing safety and congestion issues on Interstate 5.