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Draft EIS alternatives define project choices

The Columbia River Crossing project analyzed the potential environmental and community effects of five alternatives against the project’s goals identified in the Statement of Purpose and Need. The results of the analyses are described in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which was published on May 2, 2008. An errata document was issued on May 23, 2008 to correct or clarify errors that were in the Draft EIS. The Errata is considered part of the Draft EIS.

The Draft EIS is available online for viewing and download.

Many ideas were considered and dropped prior to the Draft EIS analysis because they did not address the project’s goals identified in the Statement of Purpose and Need. The Draft EIS alternatives are:

No build

Serves as a baseline for comparison with other alternatives. It doesn’t address problems in the Statement of Purpose and Need. The existing Interstate Bridge and public transit systems would remain. The only transportation system changes assumed are those identified as likely to receive funding and be constructed in the Metro and southwest Washington regional transportation plans.

Replacement bridge with bus rapid transit

The Interstate Bridge would be replaced with new bridge structures and would have a lane for bus rapid transit and a lane for foot and bicycle traffic, potentially located on a separate structure.

Replacement bridge with light rail

The Interstate Bridge would be replaced with new bridge structures and would have a lane for light rail and a lane for foot and bicycle traffic, potentially located on a separate structure.

Supplemental bridge with bus rapid transit

A new bridge would be built for southbound vehicles. The new bridge also would have a lane for bus rapid transit. The existing Interstate Bridge would be re-striped for northbound traffic. Pedestrians and bicyclists would have a lane on the existing bridge.

Supplemental bridge with light rail

A new bridge would be built for southbound vehicles. The new bridge would have a lane for light rail. The existing Interstate Bridge would be re-striped for northbound traffic. Pedestrians and bicyclists would have a lane on the existing bridge.

Links

• Executive Summary (3,948 KB)
  
• Chapter 1 – Project Purpose and Need (194 KB)
  
• Chapter 2 – Description of Alternatives (4, 272 KB)
  
• Chapter 3 – Existing Conditions and Environmental Consequences (11,956 KB)
  
• Chapter 4 – Financial Analysis (204 KB)
  
• Chapter 5 – Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation (5,333 KB)
  
• Appendix A – Agency and Tribal Coordination (1,310 KB)
  
• Appendix B – Public Involvement (158 KB)
  
• Appendix C – Early Screening of River Crossing and Transit Components (45 KB)
  
• Appendix D – Comprehensive List of Potential Property Acquisitions (166 KB)
  
• Appendix E – Registered, Eligible, and Previously Inventoried Historic Properties and Resources (158 KB)
  
• Appendix F – References (40 KB)
  
• Appendix G – List of Preparers (40 KB)
  
• Appendix H – List of Recipients (37 KB)
  
• Appendix I – List of Technical Reports and Memoranda (25 KB)
  
• Appendix J – Index (32 KB)
  
• Appendix K – Glossary (27 KB)
  
• See Library for DEIS Technical Reports
  
• See Library for Methods and Data Reports found within Technical Reports Section

Public Hearings and Open Houses

Two public hearings on the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement were held in May 2008. Each hearing was held in conjunction with an informational open house. In addition, informal events were held throughout the Draft EIS public comment period to provide additional opportunities for residents and commuters to talk directly with technical staff and learn about the CRC project and Draft EIS results. Topics of interest to specific stakeholder groups were highlighted as well as how to comment on the Draft EIS. Materials presented at these events may be found on the Public Hearings and Open Houses page.

Related Links

Record of Decision
Final EIS
What is NEPA
Screening and Evaluation Framework