The U.S. Coast Guard has reduced the required clearance for a new interstate bridge from 178 feet to 116 feet, allowing the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project to move forward with fixed-span designs instead of a costly drawbridge. This decision, announced by Sen. Maria Cantwell and Adm. Kevin E. Landy, is seen as crucial for the project’s timeline, aiming for construction to begin by September.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek hailed the news, which stemmed from years of advocacy at the IBR. The Preliminary Navigation Clearance Decision (PNCD) serves as an indication that formal approval for the 116-foot design will be granted once applied for, easing concerns about substantial construction costs and frequent traffic disruptions caused by bridge lifts.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and U.S. Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez supported the Coast Guard’s decision, emphasizing the overwhelming backing for fixed-span designs from various stakeholders. The IBR team previously argued that most vessels requiring raises in the bridge height were well below the new clearance requirement, enabling a fixed design without significant maritime inconvenience.
While this decision clears a major obstacle, the project still faces significant challenges, notably funding. Current estimates suggest a total cost of $6 billion, with a budget gap of at least $7 billion. Ongoing legislative discussions in Oregon and Washington may further clarify the financial path forward, especially as revised cost estimates are anticipated to be higher than previously outlined.
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