Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program

In 2019, the states of Washington and Oregon committed to restarting work to replace the I-5 bridge, approximately five years after the prior Columbia River Crossing Project was halted. This new effort is called the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program, and supporting it is a top priority for the City of Vancouver.

Project Information

For details on the IBR Program, including:

• Program updates
• How to get involved
• Resources and information

Please visit the official Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program website.

Milestone Documents

• City Council supports the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. July 2022.
• Equitable Transportation Investment Strategy. May 2022.
• IBR Program recommendation for a Modified Locally Preferred Alternative. May 2022.
• City Council resolution on desired outcomes for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. July 2021.
• City Council resolution to begin the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. August 2018.

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 is needed to address:

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

The IBR Program is centering climate and equity needs in design and implementation of the new bridge.

To help ensure regional support and cooperation among key government agencies, the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Washington State Department of Transportation established the Executive Steering Group made up of the key partners central to program development:

• Oregon Metro
• Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council
• City of Portland
• City of Vancouver
• TriMet
• C-TRAN
• Port of Portland
• Port of Vancouver

Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and City Manager Eric Holmes represent the City of Vancouver on the Executive Steering Group.