The I-5 Bridge Replacement Program advanced another step last week as Portland’s regional agency, Metro, approved the release of $1.9 billion in previously allocated funding. The approval allows project planners to move forward with design and pre-construction activities while awaiting final environmental clearance.
The $6 billion project aims to replace the 108-year-old bridge connecting Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. It is funded by $2.1 billion in federal grants, $1 billion each from Washington and Oregon, and $1.2 billion from future toll revenue. A bill signed earlier this year authorizes $2.5 billion in state bonding to cover upfront costs before tolling begins, now expected in mid-2027.
The funding approved by Metro will support preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, tolling infrastructure, and signage installation. A similar approval was granted by the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council on July 1. The Oregon Transportation Commission is scheduled to vote on its regional approval on September 11.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, pending federal environmental approvals. The project’s goals include improving freight mobility, safety, and multimodal access across the Columbia River.