Washington Governor Commits to $14.4B Interstate Bridge Replacement Project

Light rail extension to Vancouver remains a key component despite local opposition

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

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Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced the latest cost estimate for the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project, with the total project likely to be $14.4 billion. While the governor focused on the initial $7.65 billion phase to replace the bridge itself, he made clear that light rail expansion into Vancouver will move forward as an essential part of the project, despite historical local opposition.

Why it matters

The aging Interstate Bridge connecting Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon has been in need of replacement for decades. The new project aims to address safety, economic, and transportation concerns, but the high price tag and inclusion of light rail have been contentious issues for some Clark County residents.

The details

The IBR project will replace the existing northbound and southbound spans of the Interstate Bridge, connect the new bridges to I-5, and extend light rail service from Portland into downtown Vancouver. While the governor did not mention the full $14.4 billion price tag during the press conference, the program's own release detailed the latest cost estimate range of $13.5 to $15.2 billion, with $14.4 billion as the 'most likely' figure.

  • The IBR program is aiming to get a Record of Decision by mid-2023.
  • The program expects to hire a contractor in 2027 to complete design work.
  • Construction on the project is slated to begin in 2028.
  • The new bridge is expected to be operational for vehicles within 6-7 years after construction starts.

The players

Bob Ferguson

The governor of Washington who is committed to moving the IBR project forward, including the light rail component.

Anne McEnerny-Ogle

The mayor of Vancouver who praised the light rail portion of the project.

Sam Desue Jr.

The CEO of TriMet, the transit agency that will be extending light rail service into Vancouver.

Tina Kotek

The governor of Oregon who released a statement in support of the new bridge project.

Paul Harris

A Republican state senator from Southwest Washington who is quoted saying "The cheapest bridge you're going to build is the one you start today."

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What they’re saying

“We're going to build this bridge. That's going to happen. There is just far too much at stake for any other option. Replacing this 109-year-old bridge with a modern structure is essential to Washington and Oregon. It's critical for our economy, it's critical for public safety, and it's critical for the thousands of good paying jobs that come with this project.”

— Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington

“Together, we are building more than a bridge. We are building a transportation system that connects people, supports economic growth, and strengthens our future.”

— Sam Desue Jr., CEO of TriMet

“We need a new bridge, and it's time to start building it. By focusing our available funding on a core set of projects, we can deliver what Oregonians have been waiting on for decades: a modern, earthquake-ready bridge, with no bridge lifts, less traffic congestion, extended light rail, and better options for people walking and biking.”

— Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon

What’s next

The IBR program is aiming to get a Record of Decision by mid-2023 and expects to hire a contractor in 2027 to complete design work, with construction slated to begin in 2028.

The takeaway

Despite the high $14.4 billion price tag and local opposition to light rail, the governors of Washington and Oregon remain committed to moving forward with the Interstate Bridge Replacement project, which they view as essential for the region's economy, public safety, and transportation needs.