I-5 Bridge Replacement Project gets $1.49B boost as lawmakers aim to upgrade 'ancient' bridge

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project received a major boost on Friday as Washington state lawmakers announced a $1.499 billion award for the project.

The project aims to bring seismic upgrades as the entire bridge is at risk of collapse in the event of a major quake, officials said -- noting other upgrades could help relieve traffic congestion and help drive economic growth for the region.

This latest award brings total investment for the project to $2.1 billion, which is about one-third of the estimated project costs.

“This is a monumental win for Southwest Washington—now, with the biggest federal transportation award in Washington state history, replacing the I-5 Bridge is finally going to be a reality,” said Sen. Patty Murray. “Securing this award is a testament to the strength of our Washington state delegation—and the sheer determination of countless local leaders staying the course—and shows what a difference it makes when we are united in the Other Washington, fighting to bring these dollars home."

She continued, "The road to replacing the I-5 bridge has not been easy, but failing to replace this bridge has never been an option to me because I know how important this is to Southwest Washington—despite being a major thoroughfare, the current bridge is ancient, unsafe, and a major source of congestion for commuters and commerce. I’ve made clear time and again to Secretary Buttigieg and others that we cannot afford to forget about this project or kick the can down the road any further—I helped establish the Bridge Investment Program and delivered strong funding for it through appropriations, and as Senate Appropriations Chair, I have been fighting hard to make sure Southwest Washington sees its fair share of those federal dollars.”

The award stems from funding provided in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and comes after US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg toured the 107-year-old bridge in February with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and other elected leaders.

Both governors previously urged the federal government to give them more than $2 billion to help replace it. Oregon and Washington are also both committing $1 billion each for a new bridge.

More to come. This is a developing story.