The Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project
The Gerald Desmond Bridge is a vital link in the nation's trade system and a major commuter corridor. But the bridge, built in the 1960s, was not designed to handle today's traffic volumes and is deteriorating.
A nearly $1 billion replacement project will ensure the safety of commuters and truck drivers and protect Southern California's important role as a major trading hub. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2011 and expected to last five years, generating, on average, 4,000 jobs per year.
The Columbia River Crossing Project
The Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project is a comprehensive, long-term transportation solution that addresses congestion, safety and mobility problems on I-5 between Portland and Vancouver.
The I-5 Bridge carries about 135,000 vehicles per day and is actually two side-by-side bridges. The northbound bridge was built in 1917 and the southbound bridge in 1958. Without action, traffic jams will increase to 15 hours a day by 2030. The essential elements of the five-mile project are:
I-5 Bridge Replacement
Light rail extension to Vancouver
Rebuilding five closely-spaced interchanges
Wider pedestrian and bicycle path
Electric tolling
The Columbia River Crossing Project is a joint WSDOT-ODOT effort. Once complete, the region will benefit from no bridge lifts, less congestion on I-5 and local streets, earthquake protection, fewer collisions, and more travel choices.
