Third bridge proposed for Columbia River

VANCOUVER, Wash. – A concept for a proposed third bridge over the Columbia River in Clark County has been revealed, adding another element to a protracted debate on how to ease congestion between these parts of Washington and Oregon.

Championed by Clark County Commissioner David Madore, the proposed east county bridge would cross the Columbia River at Southeast 192nd Avenue and Highway 14 in Vancouver, jog to the west slightly, cross Government Island and connect to Northeast Airport Way in Oregon. The bridge would feature four lanes for motor vehicles and two covered lanes for bike and foot traffic. The bridge would be a segmental concrete span held aloft by slender columns.

The project would cost no more than $860 million and could be completed in five years. That timeline takes into account permitting and the design-build phase, said Linda Figg of Florida-based FIGG Engineering Group.

A third bridge has long been considered as an option to relieve congestion between the two states.

Madore has also been an opponent of revamping the Interstate 5 river crossing, a two-state plan that is moribund after Washington lawmakers balked at authorizing money. That bridge plan includes light rail and cost an estimated $2.9 billion, but it would come with federal money.