Media contact:  Kelliann Amico, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program media lead: 503-897-9218 (Oregon), 360-859-0494 (Washington), 888-503-6735 (toll-free) | media@interstatebridge.org

Interstate Bridge Replacement program holds public hearings on effects of future I-5 span over Columbia River

Vancouver, WA –The Interstate Bridge Replacement program will host two in-person and two virtual hearings in October as part of the 60-day public comment period for the program's Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. As part of that process, the public is encouraged to review the document and provide feedback on the potential benefits and effects of program investments on transportation, the environment and the local community. 

Public input will inform technical analysis and design options as well as refine the preferred alternative that will move into the final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, including the program footprint and mitigations. 

The full document includes an executive summary available in multiple languages, the chapters of the Draft SEIS, appendices and technical reports. Additional details such as locations to access hard copies of the document and educational materials are also available.

In-person public hearings and open houses 

When: 5:30–8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15
Where:  Clark College, Gaiser Hall 150, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington 98663 

When: 5:30–8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17
Where: Portland Expo Center, Meeting Hall E2, 2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland, Oregon 97217

Details: Each of these events offers both an in-person hearing for providing public comment to a court reporter, as well as an open house to learn more about the Draft SEIS. No formal presentations will be provided, but program staff will be available to answer questions. Attendees are welcome to come and go at their leisure during the three-hour events.

Virtual public hearings 

When: Noon–2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where:  Virtual hearing #1     

When: 6–8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30
Where: Virtual hearing #2

Details: These online public hearings will provide community members with the opportunity to give their feedback on the Draft SEIS, which will be recorded by a court reporter as official public comment. These events will not include presentations or question-and-answer opportunities.   

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state using the nearest drive-in Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Free WiFi access is also available at these locations for people who wish to participate in the virtual public briefings:

• Vancouver Community Library, 901 C Street, Vancouver 
• Charles Jordan Community Center, 9009 N. Foss Avenue, Portland 

Public comment opportunities

In addition to the public hearings, there are multiple opportunities and ways for people to provide formal comments on the Draft SEIS. Comments can be provided in any native language. Language interpretation and ASL services can also be made available upon request. It is important to note that for a comment to be included as part of the formal record, it must be submitted in one of the official ways:

• Online comment form: interstatebridge.org/DraftSEIS
• Email: draftseis@interstatebridge.org. Please include “Draft SEIS public comment” in the subject line.
• Phone: 866-IBR-SEIS (427-7347). Please include “Draft SEIS” in your message.
• Mail: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, Attention: Draft SEIS public comment, 500 Broadway, Suite 200, Vancouver, WA 98660

About the bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement program

Replacing the aging Interstate Bridge across the Columbia River with a modern, seismically resilient, multimodal structure that provides improved mobility for people, goods and services is a high priority for Oregon and Washington. Governors and legislative leadership in both states directed the Oregon Department of Transportation and Washington State Department of Transportation to launch the bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement program to lead this work, recognizing that needed safety and transportation improvements to the existing Interstate Bridge remain unaddressed. Program development centers equity and follows a transparent, data-driven process that includes collaboration with local, state, federal and tribal partners. Visit the program website at www.interstatebridge.org.