Folks get a chance to weigh in on a multi-billion dollar bridge project

Folks get a chance to weigh in on a multi-billion dollar bridge project

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Story Published: Oct 17, 2007 at 11:26 PM PDT

Story Updated: Oct 17, 2007 at 11:27 PM PDT

By Thanh Tan and KATU Web Staff

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PORTLAND, Ore. - Transportation officials recently disclosed a new bridge over the Columbia River will cost an estimated $3 to $4 billion, including mass transit.

Now, the question is - what will it look like?

An open house at the former Hayden Island Yacht Club drew dozens of citizens, looking to offer their input.

The discussion was civil and many of the attendees told KATU News they believe something must be done to address the heavy congestion on the bridge.

They have different opinions on the five options, which include: doing nothing, building a new bridge or adding on to the current one. 

"I haven't decided yet. I'm trying to remain neutral," said Portland resident and Civil Engineer Gina Franzosa.

There is a lot to consider, since this bridge affects everyone from businesses to visitors and residents in the area.

If nothing is done in the next two decades, officials estimate congestion will only get worse. Transportation officials with the planning consortium known as the Columbia River Crossing say there is currently six hours of congestion every weekday on I-5 between Vancouver and Columbia Boulevard in Portland.

Hayden Island resident Don Gire went to the open house and told KATU News he feels stuck.

"We can't get off the island between 3 and 7 in the evening any longer," he said, adding the $3 to $4 billion estimate he's heard about seems like a good price.

"I say you build replacement bridges. Bite the bullet now. Steel is expensive now, it's going to be more expensive in the future," he said.

The replacement bridge option would include north and southbound lanes on the same span.

The other big option is to convert the current lanes into northbound traffic, then construct the southbound lanes as a supplement. This proposal could mean less congestion, but way more lanes.

"I start thinking downtown Seattle and east coast traffic," said Franzosa. "I just don't think that's what people in this region want in their future. So I'm skeptical."

For non-drivers, mass transit is key. Several attendees told KATU News they like that the committee's options include room for either a light rail or buses.

"Cycling is important, but it's the mass transit that will really sell me on the project," said Chase Ballew, a cyclist and mass transit rider.

Columbia River Crossing officials say they are taking public comments through November 4.

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