Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
The Draft SEIS will be available Sept. 20!
Public Comment Period: Sept. 20 - Nov. 18.
This page will provide the information necessary to learn about the process and how to review the document, as well as when and where to find opportunities to provide feedback.
What is the Draft SEIS?
This comprehensive document is a federal requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Draft SEIS analyzes the potential impacts and benefits of the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) in comparison to a No-Build Alternative. Publishing this document kicks off a crucial opportunity for the community to weigh in on the program’s direction. This input will help shape the solution that advances to the Final SEIS as the program works to replace the aging Interstate Bridge with a safer, more resilient multimodal corridor that is responsive to the needs of travelers and communities within our region for decades to come.
What should you expect to see in the Draft SEIS?
The Draft SEIS identifies the Modified LPA's major design elements and the potential associated benefits, impacts, and proposed mitigation measures. The Draft SEIS also evaluates a No-Build Alternative in order to understand what would happen in the future if the proposed improvements are not constructed. The Modified LPA is not the program's final design, but identifies key foundational program components. Additional refinements and adjustments will be made to the Modified LPA in response to public comments and design considerations.
What does the Modified LPA include?
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A new pair of Columbia River bridges built west of the existing bridge. Three bridge configuration options are under consideration: single-level fixed-span, double-deck fixed-span, and single-level movable-span.
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Improvements to the I-5 mainline and seven interchanges, north and south of the Columbia River, including options with or without C Street ramps and I-5 alignment options in downtown Vancouver, as well as related enhancements to the local street network.
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Extension of light rail from the Expo Center in Portland to Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver, along with associated transit improvements, including transit stations at Hayden Island, Vancouver Waterfront, and near Evergreen Boulevard and options for park and ride locations in Vancouver.
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One or two auxiliary lane(s) in each direction and safety shoulders on the bridge.
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A variety of improvements for people who walk, bike and roll throughout the program area.
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Variable rate tolling for motorists using the river crossing as a demand management and financing tool.
Draft SEIS Chapters
The document is broken down into chapters and sections by topic area. A list of chapters correlating to the areas of analysis can be viewed below. The Summary document will also be made available in various languages and other forms to ensure accessibility for all groups.
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Appendices
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What opportunities will there be for review and input?
The public plays an important role by providing feedback on the Modified LPA, the potential impacts and benefits identified, and potential mitigation. Following the release of the Draft SEIS, a 60-day public comment period will open for the public to provide input. There will be many opportunities to provide a public comment. This includes joining a public hearing to provide testimony or submitting your comment in non-public settings by using a web form, sending an email, writing a letter or leaving a voicemail. Language interpretation and ASL services can be made be available to ensure accessibility for all community members.
Watch our public briefing to learn more about the Draft SEIS
Public briefings were held in August as an opportunity to learn about the program, including the proposed investments being studied in the Draft SEIS to help make sure you are prepared for the upcoming public comment period.
August 20: View on YouTube
August 24: View on YouTube
How you can provide comments
Following the release of the Draft SEIS, a 60-day public comment period will open. During this window, the program will provide multiple opportunities and ways for you to comment. Your feedback is important in shaping a solution.
You will be able to provide comments in the following ways:
Submit a comment online Attend a public hearing Send an email Call the hotline
The program will continue adding opportunities to learn more about what is being studied and what to expect in the Draft SEIS throughout the coming months. Additional information on the multiple ways to provide feedback during the public comment period will be shared and available on this page as the publication date approaches.
A summary of comments received will be shared following the public comment period. All public comments will be recorded and a response will be documented in the Final SEIS. Responses will include any changes, updates, and new information added based on those comments.
The public will be able to review a hard copy of the Draft SEIS document at the IBR office and the full document and technical reports and appendices will be available digitally via a searchable PDF.
Further reading on the federal environmental review process
Council on Environmental Quality’s NEPA webpage
FHWA’s Environmental Review Toolkit
FTA’s Environmental Review Process
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