Ferguson, Kotek Pivot to Phasing Plans to Expand I-5 Over Columbia River

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced a phased approach to the Interstate Bridge Replacement project over the Columbia River on Tuesday, following a revised cost estimate of $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion for the full project. The initial phase will focus on a bridge replacement with light rail capability at a cost of $7.65 billion, deferring five miles of I-5 expansion and seven new interchanges to future phases with construction beginning in 2028. The scaled-down core project still faces a $450 million funding gap, with federal transit funding uncertain under the current administration.