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Supplemental Bridge with Light Rail

A new bridge would be constructed immediately downstream of the existing I-5 bridges. The new supplemental bridge would carry four lanes of southbound I-5 traffic and light rail. The existing Interstate Bridge would be re-striped into four lanes (from its current six) with standard safety shoulders for northbound traffic. Wider bicycle and pedestrian lanes would be included on the existing bridges. The existing bridges also would be retrofitted to a “no collapse” standard in the event of a major earthquake.

Light rail would operate on a double-track extension from the Expo Center MAX Station in Portland to the Kiggins Bowl area in Vancouver. Express and local bus service is combined with light rail to better serve transit needs in and beyond the project area. Express buses would serve long distance commuter markets by providing direct access between Clark County and downtown Portland during morning and evening peak commute hours. Local bus service in Vancouver would increase to serve new transit passengers.

 Exact transit alignment(s), terminals, and park and ride facilities will be refined during the environmental impact statement process.

 This alternative was added to the list of alternatives under consideration as a result of a recommendation by the Columbia River Crossing project Task Force and public input.