The Columbia River Crossing project is moving into a crucial phase, and it’s headed in the wrong direction.
A few weeks ago, I expressed concern about this project. Since then I’ve learned more and heard from many experts who share my concerns.
It’s now clear to me that we need to do something to stop the current course of action.
At this point, ODOT and WashDOT want to spend (a recently estimated) $6 billion to increase motor vehicle and freight capacity between Vancouver and North Portland by building an immense, new I-5 bridge and by re-designing the interchanges that access it.
So what’s the big deal? Where’s the controversy?
First, my concerns have nothing to do with bicycle access or facilities. This is about the bigger picture of how this major transportation project impacts all of us.
I’m troubled because ODOT and WashDOT are moving forward with a flawed process that has not given a fair shake to alternatives, has raised eyebrows of transportation experts, elected officials, and concerned citizens, and favors old-school, highway-oriented solutions that reek of the the classic misconception that we can build our way out of congestion.
I’m also troubled because it seems like many folks are just accepting the CRC Staff’s ideas, without really looking into what’s happening.
I’m no transportation expert, but the more I learn and hear about this project, the more concerned I get. I think you will too.
Consider these points:
- The CRC staff wants to move forward in the process with only one option (they claim two) — a new bridge with some form of public transit — instead of considering other alternatives.
- They claim to have looked at other options, but the methods in place to evaluate them are too restrictive (for instance, they won’t consider using an existing railroad bridge to the West because they say it’s outside of the project area).
- The exorbitant $6 billion price tag would, according to transportation experts, “wipe out all transportation projects for the next 10 years.”
- The CRC staff has not done a cost-benefit analysis of their new bridge option.
- The assumptions that led them to their recommended option — an increase of 50,000 autos a day in the next 20 years — are not in line with reality.
- Oregon will pay 50% even though the congestion is caused primarily by Washington-based commuters who choose to drive single-occupancy motorized vehicles into Portland.
- A recent vote by the SW Washington Regional Transportation Council was split 6-4-2 in a vote on whether to support the CRC’s staff recommendation: all three Clark County Commissioners voted in opposition (including Steve Stuart who wonders where the money will come from.
These are compelling warning signs that the CRC project staff, ODOT, and WashDOT need to slow down and recognize that a much broader conversation must happen before they move forward.
It’s time to shift the dialogue to more sensible solutions and alternatives.
On that note, there are two very important meetings coming up where we need your voice to help make this happen.
Metro Council hearing
2pm, this Thursday (2/22)
Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand, Portland
Columbia River Crossing Task Force meeting
4-8pm, Tuesday, 2/27
ODOT – 123 NW Flanders St., Portland
At the Metro hearing, two Metro Councilors will introduce resolutions calling for more consideration of alternatives. Learn more about both meetings at PortlandTransport.com.
Please consider attending one or both of these meetings.
If this project moves forward in its current form, it will have a huge, negative impact on the development of our transportation network, will harm community livability, and will be a step backwards for our region.