Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program

In 2019, the states of Washington and Oregon committed to restarting work to replace the I-5 bridge. This effort is called the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program. Supporting IBR implementation is a top priority for the City of Vancouver.

Please visit the official IBR website for details, including:

A program description (what it includes)
Cost estimates and funding information
A calendar of upcoming meetings and events
Resources and background information

We encourage community members to sign up for updates from the IBR Program on the “Contact Us” page.

Program overview

The I-5 bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure that connects the Portland/Vancouver region and is the only continuous north-south interstate on the West Coast between Mexico and Canada. Replacement of the bridge will address critical seismic vulnerability issues. It is also a significant opportunity to improve the I-5 corridor through Vancouver, addressing challenges with:

growing travel demand and congestion,
impaired freight movement,
limited public transportation,
inadequate bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and
safety concerns with existing roadway design.

Accordingly, the IBR Program includes a variety of investments along the five-mile corridor. The program is centering climate and equity as part of the design process.

The City’s role

The City of Vancouver is one of 10 public agencies that are partnering to develop and implement the IBR program, which is led by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and the City Manager represent the City of Vancouver on the Executive Steering Group.

Recent Work

Cost Estimate Update

In March 2026, the IBR Program released an updated cost estimate reflecting national construction cost inflation, an extended program timeline, and updated construction sequencing requirements. With $5.5 billion in committed funding secured, the Program is moving forward with a core set of projects: replacing the Columbia River bridges, connecting them to I-5, extending light rail service to Vancouver, and removing the existing bridge. The Program is evaluating opportunities for cost savings and is pursuing additional funding sources. For the latest information, please refer to IBR’s Cost Estimate & Funding page.

Tolling

The IBR Program includes “variable priced tolling” on the Interstate Bridge. This means that the toll rates will change depending on time of day. Tolling is expected to provide traffic management and vital funding for the project, as well as cover ongoing operations and maintenance costs for the bridge and for tolling operations.

The Oregon and Washington Transportation Commissions are responsible for setting IBR’s tolling policies, including rates and potential discounts. In early 2024, they established a Bi-State Tolling Subcommittee comprised of two commissioners from each state..

The subcommittee is considering toll rates ranging from $1.55 to $4.70 per trip, along with truck multipliers, a low-income discount program, and potential exemptions for specific user groups.

For details and the latest information, please refer to IBR’s Cost, Funding & Economic Benefits page and WSDOT’s Bi-State Tolling Subcommittee page.

Environmental review

A Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the IBR program was available for public review Sept. 20 through Nov. 18, 2024. During that time, community members were invited to provide feedback on analysis of benefits and impacts of program investments, including design options and potential mitigation measures. The feedback helped shape the program’s planned investments as the program moves forward.

During the comment period, City staff presented relevant findings from the Draft SEIS to seven of the City’s boards and commissions. Links to these presentations are provided under “Milestone Documents” below.

The next step in the environmental review process is publication of a Final SEIS, which will include responses to comments submitted during the public comment period. Please refer to IBR’s SEIS webpage for the latest information.

Aesthetic Guidelines

In 2025, the IBR Program conducted workshops with IBR’s Community and Equity Advisory Groups https://www.interstatebridge.org/get-involved-folder/calendar/joint-advisory-group-july-21-2025/https://www.interstatebridge.org/get-involved-folder/calendar/joint-advisory-group-august-27-2025/to discuss guidelines that will inform aesthetic and architectural choices (i.e., how program elements could look) for inclusion in procurement and construction documents. For more information, please refer to IBR’s meeting pages for these workshops: July 21, 2025 and August 27, 2025.

Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program grant

In 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) awarded a $30 million grant to the City of Vancouver and the Washington State Department of Transportation through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. This is the largest competitive federal grant award that the City has ever received. Funding will support construction of a lid over I-5 (“Community Connector”) south of Evergreen Boulevard. It will provide enhanced pedestrian travel between the Historic Reserve and Downtown Vancouver.

The Connector has been years in the making. In 2024, City staff and the IBR team hosted focus groups with local organizations to start envisioning the lid’s specific uses, design, and its relationship to other IBR investments such as a transit-oriented development adjacent to the lid. Based on feedback from these meetings, IBR’s engagement, and the City’s planning efforts for Downtown, an initial list of guiding principles has been developed.

As of March 2026, the US DOT has not initiated the grant agreement with the City. We will update this page when planning for the lid resumes. If you would like to be added to an interest list, please email lori.severino@cityofvancouver.us.