Date:
Friday, May 12, 2006
Contact:
Kris Strickler, Deputy Project Director, 360-816-2201 or 503-256-2726 x2201
Linda Mullen, 360-816-2161 or 503-256-2726 ext. 2161
VANCOUVER – The Columbia River Crossing Task Force will meet Wednesday, May 17, in Vancouver to continue identifying which I-5 river crossing and transit ideas should remain in consideration for improving travel between SR 500 in Vancouver and Columbia Boulevard in Portland. Committee members will evaluate transit options as well as replacement and supplemental bridges and structures.
Last month, the Task Force eliminated from consideration bridges or corridors outside of I-5. It recommended advancing an arterial bridge combined with improvements to I-5 and the Interstate Bridge. The Task Force, which advises the Oregon and Washington transportation departments, is considering recommendations forwarded from project staff as well as comments received from the public during this process.
The May 17 meeting will occur 4 - 6:30 p.m. at the Southwest Region Headquarters of the Washington Department of Transportation, 11018 NE 51st Circle. The public is welcome to attend and will have an opportunity to provide comment.
This is the first step to narrow the range of ideas that eventually will receive a detailed analysis in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The DEIS will include between one and four alternatives, which will be identified by the end of the year. River crossing and public transit ideas that are recommended to receive more analysis will be combined into the alternatives that include several transportation components to address congestion and safety in the project area.
The Columbia River Crossing project area includes a five-mile stretch of Interstate 5 from State Route 500 in Vancouver to Columbia Boulevard in Portland and includes the two spans of the Interstate Bridge. Without action, congestion in this area of I-5 is expected to grow to 13 hours per day by 2020 from the current 4-6 hours per day.
The 39-member Columbia River Crossing Task Force includes leaders from Oregon and Washington’s community, business, civic, neighborhood, freight, commuter and environmental agencies and groups. The Washington and Oregon departments of transportation (WSDOT and ODOT) formed the Task Force in 2005 to consider and provide input on a variety of issues including congestion, freight movement, high capacity transit, environmental protection, and funding concerning a new or improved river crossing between Portland and Vancouver.
Task Force meeting locations are accessible to people with disabilities. Accommodations for people with disabilities can be arranged with advance notice by calling the project office at 360-737- 2726 or 503-256-2726.
C-TRAN Directions: From Downtown Vancouver (7th Street Transit Center) take Bus #32 (Evergreen/Andresen) eastbound to the Vancouver Mall Transit Center. Transfer to Bus #80 (Van Mall/Fisher's) eastbound to 49th and 112th Avenue. WSDOT Region Headquarters is 2 blocks north of this bus stop.
For more information, please visit the project Web site: www.ColumbiaRiverCrossing.org/
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