Columbia River Crossing receives new funding
22 July 2010
US Senator Patty Murray has secured US$ 42 million in federal transportation funding for the multi-billion dollar Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project. The money will be used to help complete environmental reviews and starting final design on the project.
The CRC project is a long-term, comprehensive project to reduce congestion, enhance mobility and improve safety on I-5 between SR 500 in Vancouver, Canada and Columbia Boulevard in Portland, US.
The project will replace the I-5 bridge, extend light rail to Vancouver, improve closely-spaced interchanges, and enhance the pedestrian and bicycle path between the two cities. The project will be funded by federal and state sources, as well as tolls.
A November 2009 estimate but the cost of the bridge at US$ 2.6 to US$ 3.6 billion (year of expenditure dollars) to fund all three elements of the project: bridge, transit and highway improvements.
Construction is assumed to begin in 2012 and last five to seven years. There are still many design decisions to be made that will inform the cost estimate and provide more certainty as the project development process continues.
More information can be found on the CRC project website
"Over the past several months, our local project partners have dedicated substantial time and effort working collaboratively to address unresolved issues" said Paula Hammond, Washington State Secretary of Transportation.
"Senator Murray's support is another clear signal that our local, state, and federal partners are speaking with one voice about the importance of getting this project done."
"Receiving these federal funds is a clear example of the strong partnership between the federal government and local communities to move forward on the Columbia River Crossing project," said Gov. Chris Gregoire.
"Sen. Murray's leadership on this is good news for a project that is critical to our state's economy and transportation infrastructure. She understands how important this project is to creating jobs at a time when we need them the most."
