Columbia River Crossing, Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, Washington, United States of America

Key Data

Columbia River Crossing (CRC) is the replacement of the 90-year-old Interstate-5 bridge which spans from SR500 in Vancouver, Washington to Victory Boulevard in Portland, Oregon. Construction on the 8km (five-mile) bridge is expected to begin in 2013 and take five years to complete.

The Oregon Department of Transport and the Washington State Department of Transport are sponsoring the project.

The decision to build a new bridge was prompted by increasing traffic congestion on the existing bridge, collisions and vulnerability of the existing bridge to earthquakes. The new CRC is expected to reduce congestion, cut collisions by 70% a year and reduce emissions, in addition to being resistant to earthquakes. The bridge will not require lifts to allow the passage of ships below it.

Project details

The river crossing project involves replacement of the I-5 bridge; extension of light rail line towards the north from Portland to Vancouver; rebuilding of five interchanges; widening pedestrian and bicycle paths and setting up an electronic tolling system.

The CRC is a ten-lane two-bridge structure, one heading north and the other south. Each will have three through lanes and two lanes leading to the interchange. The light rail line will run under the southbound bridge deck, while the pedestrian and cyclist facilities will be developed under the northbound bridge deck.

"Cost of construction is estimated to be $3.2bn-$3.6bn"

The light rail Yellow Line will extend from Expo Center MAX Station in Portland to Clark College in Vancouver. The 20ft pedestrian and cyclist path will be 16ft wider than the existing 4ft one.

Improvements on the interchanges will include links to arterials and state highways, and inclusion of add/drop lanes.

Design and construction of the Columbia River Crossing

CRC will be a deck truss bridge. This type was chosen from the three options put forth by a panel, the other two options being cable-stayed and tied arch.

Deck truss was considered to be affordable, expected to meet the schedule and minimise environmental impact.

"CRC is a ten-lane two-bridge structure, one heading north and the other south"

An architect will be appointed to work on the bridge's aesthetics. The design will be finalised by the end of 2011. The project has achieved both air and maritime clearances to be 95ft from the river.

The final environmental impact statement is expected to be completed in 2011 and property acquisition will commence in 2012. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2013 and the bridge is expected to be opened to traffic in 2018.

Project partners

Columbia River Crossing is a joint project of the Oregon Department of Transportation and Washington Department of Transportation. The Urban Design Advisory Group has been set up to advice on the design of the bridge, and also on the transit and highway improvements.

Financing

The cost of construction is estimated to be $3.2bn-$3.6bn. The project will be jointly financed by the Federal Government, states of Oregon and Washington and through the toll collected. A part of the funds will be supplied by the US Department of Transportation from its corridors of the future programme.

Columbia River Crossing is a replacement for the existing 90-year-old I-5 bridge.

The CRC will be a deck truss bridge, 95ft above the river, sponsored by the Oregon Department of Transport and Washington State Department.

CRC project includes extension of Portland's light rail Yellow Line to Vancouver, Washington.