Replacement Bridge with Bus Rapid Transit

This alternative includes construction of a new I-5 replacement bridge to carry I-5 traffic, bus rapid transit (BRT), express bus and bicycles and pedestrians across the Columbia River. Developed as a mid-level structure, the new bridge would comply with vertical clearance requirements above the Columbia River for marine traffic and below Pearson Field airspace for air traffic. The mid-level height allows the bridge to be a fixed-span structure with no bridge lift. The new bridge could be built either upstream or downstream of the existing I-5 bridges. Eventually, the existing bridges would be removed once the new bridge could accommodate traffic.

This bridge option would provide five or six travel lanes in each direction. Use of managed lanes is being considered.

The high capacity transit (HCT) component in this alternative is the consolidation of the best performing BRT options and the local bus infrastructure, and express bus service on I-5. The BRT service would not run buses to downtown Portland, but would instead involve a transfer to the TriMet Yellow Line MAX for continuation to downtown Portland. Express bus service is combined with BRT to better serve transit needs in and beyond the project area. Express bus would serve long distance commuter markets by providing direct access to and from Clark County to downtown Portland during morning and evening peak commute hours.