On Friday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) announced that the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program will receive a $600 million federal grant to replace the I-5 Bridge connecting Portland, Oregon, and Southwest Washington. The grant comes from the Department of Transportation's Mega program, which was authored by Sen. Cantwell to fund large and complex transportation projects that drive regional and national economies.
Sen. Cantwell expressed her satisfaction with the funding, stating, "Today marks a mega win for the State of Washington: Finally, the 100-year-old I-5 Bridge is getting a federal down payment." She emphasized the importance of the bridge as a vital commerce link for the entire West Coast and highlighted the economic benefits of the project. She explained, "By upgrading and adding lane capacity, we are enabling more regional economic growth and better day-to-day travel experiences for commuters."
The I-5 Bridge carries over 131,000 vehicles and $132 million worth of freight each day, making it a crucial transportation route for the region. However, the bridge is also a major bottleneck, causing significant congestion during peak hours. Furthermore, the aging structure poses risks, as one span is over a century old and the other is over 65 years old. Without a seismic retrofit, the bridge is at risk of collapsing in the event of a major earthquake.
The $600 million grant will fund 8-12% of the estimated $5-7.5 billion total cost of the bridge replacement project. Sen. Cantwell mentioned that the project remains eligible for other sources of federal funding, including the DOT Bridge Investment Program and the Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment Grant Program.
The funding for the I-5 Bridge project is part of the Mega program, which was established in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and allocated $5 billion over five years for critical infrastructure projects. Sen. Cantwell, along with Sens. Murray and Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, led a bipartisan Washington delegation in supporting the states' Mega grant application.
The award for the I-5 Bridge project is the highest amount of funding among the 11 projects nationwide that received Mega program grants this year. It reflects the recognition of the bridge's importance in facilitating regional and international trade. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, billions of dollars' worth of goods are transported along the I-5 corridor annually.
The announcement of the grant brings much-needed progress to the long-sought goal of replacing the I-5 Bridge. The project has faced delays and challenges due to its complexity and funding requirements. However, with the $600 million grant, the bridge replacement project can move forward, improving transportation efficiency, reducing congestion, and ensuring the safety of the region's vital transportation infrastructure.
Sen. Cantwell's dedication to securing the funding for the I-5 Bridge replacement project through the Mega program demonstrates her commitment to addressing the transportation needs of Washington state and the entire West Coast. The project is expected to have a significant positive impact on the regional and national economies, attracting high-wage jobs and facilitating the flow of goods and services.
The I-5 Bridge replacement project is a crucial investment in the future of transportation infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest. With the federal grant secured, the project can proceed, bringing much-needed improvements and ensuring the continued economic growth of the region.
To find out more, go to this link: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2023/12/cantwell-announces-long-sought-win-for-wa-i-5-bridge-replacement-project-wins-600m-grant
