Optimizing Interstate 5: Costs, Solutions, and Benefits
It’s important to consider the full scope of costs associated with infrastructure projects, especially when it comes to building a new interstate bridge between Oregon and Washington. The proposed cost of $7.5 billion may seem daunting, but a closer look at the factors involved reveals alternative approaches that could optimize both the financial and practical aspects of this project.
Cost Breakdown and Hidden Expenses
The $7.5 billion price tag for the new Interstate 5 bridge includes various expenses, including design and planning costs. Between 2000 and 2017, over $875 million was spent on designing several bridge options between Oregon and Washington. However, these plans are now largely redundant due to changes in the riverbed and seismic requirements, and many are also protected by copyright. These lost plans have environmental and legal implications, as altering the river undersea topography would require significant and costly measures.
Cost Minimization: Leverage Existing Infrastructure
My suggestion is to leverage the existing Interstate Bridge. Retaining it as Interstate Street (Highway 99) could significantly reduce the total construction cost. During rush hours, the two old bridges in tandem can alleviate traffic congestion. This approach not only saves money but also realizes immediate benefits by keeping the traffic flow more predictable and managed.
Gradual Upgrades: Phased Construction
A phased construction approach, as seen with the 205 bridge, can be more cost-effective and safer. The recommendation is to initially build one new bridge, then dismantle one of the existing bridges and construct a second new bridge in the same alignment. This method avoids the complex logistics and potential safety risks of dynamite use directly above the new bridge.
Alternative Routes and New Infrastructure
A more ambitious solution is to build a new interstate freeway designed to complement the existing Interstate 5. This could involve constructing a route that extends west from Wilsonville, about 5 miles, then turns north and crosses the Columbia River about 7 miles downstream of the current I-5 bridge. This route would continue north towards the Clark County fairgrounds, eventually meeting I-5.
Underground Solutions: Lessons from the Boston Big Dig
The experience from the Big Dig in Boston, where $18 billion was spent on underground tunnels, offers another potential solution. By rerouting the bridge to go underground, the project can avoid the high overhead structures and their associated traffic management challenges. This could result in a more efficient and smoother flow of traffic once the construction is completed.
Financial Feasibility and Long-Term Benefits
Despite the massive initial cost, federal funding could mitigate the financial burden. With a 90% federal funding rate, the total cost to Oregon and Washington would be significantly reduced. While Washington would contribute $750 million, they would likely recover this amount through increased sales and income taxes from construction jobs.
Conclusion
The new Interstate 5 bridge between Oregon and Washington is a complex project with both significant challenges and potential solutions. By considering phased construction, leveraging existing infrastructure, and exploring alternative routes, the project can be optimized for cost and efficiency. Additionally, the financial feasibility, when combined with federal funding, offers a pathway to achieving long-term benefits for the region.