A modern connection for a growing community.

The Interstate I-5 corridor is a critical lifeline for the region and the nation, connecting Oregon and Washington to support jobs and move billions in goods each year. To meet the needs of today’s travelers and tomorrow’s growth, the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program is planning a modern, earthquake-resilient bridge across the Columbia River. The new multimodal structure and I-5 corridor improvements will enhance mobility for freight, transit and drivers — strengthening the connection between our communities.

Find out more
Image showing congestion and large trucks on the bridge
The Interstate Bridge lifting for a boat to pass under
Traffic on the Interstate Bridge
A rendering of a design option for a new bridge across the Columbia River.
A rendering of a design option for a new bridge across the Columbia River.
A rendering of a design option for a new bridge across the Columbia River.

Our mission is to improve safety for all who use the Interstate Bridge by addressing outdated roadway elements such as narrow lanes, a lack of safety shoulders, and poor sight lines. Proposed IBR investments will reduce crashes, better accommodate the increase in travelers, improve emergency response and support reliable travel. By relieving congestion and supporting the efficient movement of goods and people, Program investments will help drive economic growth and keep the region competitive.

Happening Now

Announcements

  • IBR Office Hours

    Do you have questions and want to speak to a real person? We answer questions on a range of topics, including design, workforce development, community engagement, financial plans, and much more! 

    Office Hours


Leave your mark on history.

Interested in working with the IBR Program? Visit our Employment Opportunities to learn more.

Are you a business interested in contracting with us?  Sign up in our IBR Vendor Portal to receive updates.


River Crossing Visualizations

Visualizations showing potential bridge types and interchange investments have been released. The visuals are not a final design and don’t reflect property impacts.
Click here for more information. 

Tens of thousands of jobs across multiple industries will be generated during the construction period of the new Interstate Bridge - benefitting workers, businesses and families. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why not build a tunnel instead?
A.

A tunnel cannot be feasibly built within the footprint of I-5 without eliminating important connections to Hayden Island, downtown Vancouver and SR-14. It also comes with significantly more operational, environmental and historical resource impacts, and would cost more than a replacement bridge.

For more information about the suitability of an immersed tube tunnel, view the Tunnel Concept Assessment.

Q: How will the IBR Program address challenges posed by the current bridge on freight mobility?
A.

IBR Program investments will improve freight mobility through interchange design improvements, integration of ramp-to-ramp connections (auxiliary lanes), extension of light rail across the river, and improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Interchange improvements and auxiliary lanes can help freight move through the corridor more safely and efficiently compared to current conditions. Extending light rail across the river and improving active transportation options will provide travelers with more options to get across the river. With fewer cars on the road, additional space to merge safely, and thoughtful design considerations, freight can experience improved travel times and reliability.  

Q: Why a fixed span bridge and not a movable span like the current bridge?
A.

The Program reached a major milestone on Jan. 16 when the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed it will allow a fixed-span replacement bridge with 116 feet of vertical navigation clearance over the Columbia River.

The decision clears the way for a modern, multimodal bridge between Vancouver and Portland that eliminates bridge lifts, improves safety, and strengthens earthquake resilience. A fixed-span design at 116 feet was identified as the option that best balances the needs of all modes of travel within this congested corridor.

A fixed-span bridge will eliminate lift delays while continuing to serve more than 99% of river traffic, allowing roadway, transit, marine and air traffic to operate without interruption.