The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that it is seeking public comment regarding the proposed replacement of the Interstate 5 bridge, which spans the Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver. This public notice, issued on December 1, 2023, outlines a focused approach that invites input specifically from maritime stakeholders.
According to the Coast Guard, comments should solely pertain to issues of marine navigation. The agency has encouraged “maritime transportation stakeholders” — including ships, facilities, businesses, and organizations — to review the notice and provide feedback on how the new bridge will address both current and future navigation needs. The Coast Guard has indicated particular interest in hearing from stakeholders whose vessels have vertical navigation clearance requirements exceeding 116 feet above Columbia River Datum.
Of the 54 vessels identified as being impacted by the new bridge construction, only 22 have submitted the requested information to date. This targeted outreach differs from the previous public comment period for the Columbia River Crossing in 2013, which lacked such specific criteria.
In terms of project timelines, officials stated they are unlikely to provide a new cost estimate for the bridge until at least spring 2026. This delay is largely due to the Coast Guard still deliberating on whether the future bridge should incorporate a movable section to accommodate taller ships. While project planners have proposed a fixed-span bridge as the optimal design, advancing this option will require the Coast Guard’s approval.
The U.S. Coast Guard will accept comments from relevant stakeholders until January 11, 2024. Interested parties can submit their feedback via email at [email protected]. This engagement indicates the agency’s commitment to ensuring that the new bridge meets the navigational needs of the maritime community while addressing the aging infrastructure’s deficiencies.
As the project progresses, the focus remains on gathering insights from those most affected by the bridge’s design and functionality. The careful consideration of these comments will be essential in shaping a structure that not only serves vehicular traffic but also maintains the integrity of maritime navigation in this vital corridor.
