Coast Guard Approves Fixed-Span Interstate Bridge Replacement – KXL

VANCOUVER, WA / PORTLAND, OR – The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program reached a major milestone, as officials announced that the U.S. Coast Guard has approved the construction of a fixed-span replacement across the Columbia River.

The new bridge, designed with 116 feet of vertical clearance, will eliminate bridge lifts, improve earthquake resilience, and keep river traffic, vehicles, transit, and air traffic moving without interruptions.

“A fixed-span bridge has overwhelming support from the maritime industry, businesses and community groups,” said Washington Governor Bob Ferguson. “This is the right decision for our economy and for commuters who use this bridge every day.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek added that the Coast Guard decision gives the program “the clarity it needs to advance and build a safer, multimodal river crossing and corridor that will serve both states for generations.”

With federal approval in hand, the IBR Program will finalize updated cost estimates, select a final bridge design, identify a construction contractor, and continue working on the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

The Interstate Bridge, built more than a century ago, will finally get a modern replacement designed to serve both Washington and Oregon for decades to come.