Vancouver/Portland I-5 Bridge replacement with light rail moves forward

While we wait to see if Sound Transit is on the ballot in November (and it's starting to seem likely), and we hope that it is, progress is being made to the south with all six governmental bodies approving a replacement I-5 bridge over the Columbia River that is six lanes and contains light rail.

All six governmental bodies mulling alternatives to the current Interstate Bridge want a new six-lane structure that contains a light-rail line to Clark College and bicycle and pedestrian paths.

The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council voted 10-3 for a new bridge, cementing the six-lane option as the project's locally preferred alternative.

The council joined Metro, TriMet, C-TRAN and city councils in Portland and Vancouver in approving a new toll structure, as opposed to revamping the existing Columbia River bridge.

It's great to see forward-thinking government bodies of two neighboring states come together for a positive solution that will connect Vancouver, Washington with Portland, Oregon and get people out of their cars. With $4 plus per gallon gas (and no relief in sight), transit options are becoming more necessary than ever. Unlike Tim Eyman's road building initiative (I-985), which will cost us all, investment in light rail will pay economic and environmental dividends.

And while it won't happen anytime soon, I'd love to see a future where light rail in the Puget Sound region is connected to our neighbors to the south.