I-5 Bridge Replacement Program Releases Final Environmental Impact Report

The report details the preferred design elements and community impacts of the century-old bridge's replacement.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:26pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a clean, geometric scale model of the new Interstate 5 Bridge design, conveying the abstract concepts of infrastructure planning and community impact.A conceptual model of the preferred design for the new Interstate 5 Bridge, balancing transportation needs, environmental concerns, and community impacts.Vancouver Today

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program has released its final 944-page report on the environmental and community impacts of replacing the century-old Interstate 5 Bridge between Portland and Vancouver. The report responds to over 9,100 public comments and outlines the program's preferred design elements, including a single-level fixed-span bridge, one auxiliary lane in each direction, ramps at C Street in Vancouver, and up to five Park & Ride facilities.

Why it matters

The I-5 Bridge is a critical transportation link between Oregon and Washington, but the aging structure has long needed replacement. This final report marks a major milestone in the replacement process, outlining the preferred design that aims to reduce environmental impacts and traffic issues while improving safety and multimodal access.

The details

The preferred design includes a single-level, fixed-span bridge instead of a double-decker configuration, one auxiliary lane in each direction, ramps at C Street in Vancouver, and up to five Park & Ride facilities with a combined 1,270 vehicle capacity. The centered I-5 alignment would also spare some downtown Vancouver properties, including low-income residential housing at the historic Normandy Apartments.

  • The final impact statement was released on April 17, 2026.

The players

Interstate Bridge Replacement Program

The program leading the effort to replace the century-old Interstate 5 Bridge between Portland and Vancouver.

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What’s next

The program will now move forward with the preferred design and seek public feedback before finalizing the plans.

The takeaway

The release of this final environmental impact report marks a major milestone in the long-awaited replacement of the I-5 Bridge, with the program outlining a preferred design that aims to balance transportation needs, environmental concerns, and community impacts.