Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and regional partners stood together in Vancouver during a Tuesday, March 17, press conference to reaffirm their commitment to replacing the aging Interstate Bridge, even as the project’s estimated cost has more than doubled since 2022.
The updated estimate for the 5-mile Interstate Bridge Replacement program now ranges from $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with a likely cost of $14.4 billion. That marks a sharp increase from roughly $6 billion, driven by inflation, labor and material costs and long-term risk projections.
Of that total, $7.8 billion is considered the project’s base cost, with the rest tied to inflation and uncertainty over future conditions.
Despite the jump, leaders emphasized momentum and a phased approach, with about $5.5 billion already secured to begin a core set of projects, including replacing the bridge, connecting it to Interstate 5 and extending light rail into Vancouver.
“First thing I wanna say is, we're gonna build this bridge. That's gonna happen. That's gonna happen,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson framed the project as essential infrastructure, pointing to heavy daily traffic and earthquake vulnerability in the current 109-year-old span.
“There is just far too much at stake for any other option,” Ferguson said. “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.”
The governor acknowledged both progress and setbacks. A recent federal approval for a fixed-span bridge design is expected to reduce long-term costs and traffic disruptions. At the same time, updated estimates reflect the realities of rising construction costs.
“Like any major project of this magnitude, there's going to be good news and bad news along the way,” Ferguson said.
Project leaders said the immediate focus is on a $7.65 billion set of core construction elements. That leaves a funding gap of roughly $1.2 billion to $2.2 billion, depending in part on future federal grants.
Ferguson said construction is expected to begin in 2028, with contractor selection and design work leading up to that date.
“There are two things that are certain,” Ferguson said. “We must replace this bridge, and number two, delaying a major project has never made costs go down.”
Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle emphasized the opportunity to modernize a structure built in 1917, vulnerable to seismic activity and frequent traffic delays due to lift operations.
“As we look at this, this is one of the biggest opportunities ahead of us, and it'll show how our region moves and grows for generations to come,” McEnerny-Ogle said.
State Rep. Jake Fey, D-Tacoma, chair of the House Transportation Committee, described the project as the state’s top infrastructure priority after years of stalled progress.
“This is the most important infrastructure project the state is going to do in the next several years,” Fey said.
Transit leaders also highlighted the role of light rail in the broader plan, saying it will strengthen connections between Portland and Vancouver while supporting economic growth.
“Together we are building more than a bridge. We are building a transportation system that connects people, supports economic growth, and strengthens our future of an entire region.” Trimet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. said.
During the meeting, labor leaders from both sides of the river pointed to job creation and long-term workforce development tied to the project.
“Because here's the bottom line: When we invest in infrastructure, we invest in workers, families, and economic growth,” Heather Kurtenbach, executive secretary of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, said.
During a Q&A session, officials said the project will continue to evolve as design and funding plans are refined. When asked by The Reflector about light rail operating costs, Interstate Bridge Replacement interim administrator Carley Francis said those figures will be updated later as more details are finalized.
The most recent estimate, released in October, put total annual operations and maintenance costs for light rail at about $10.3 million, with Washington responsible for roughly 45%, or about $4.1 million per year. Officials indicated those figures are expected to change as the project design is further developed.
Officials also told reporters the project will likely be built in phases, with additional funding pursued through federal grants, tolling discussions and other financing strategies.
Ferguson reiterated his commitment to the project when pressed by a reporter about including light rail despite local criticism.
“It’s in there and so we’re moving forward and, look, I wanna be clear,” Ferguson said. “I’m not interested in looking backwards, OK? We’re building this damn bridge. That’s happening … I guess (there are) 1,000 questions about, hey, how we got to this exact moment, right? Not my focus, right? My focus is: what dollars do we have, what agreements are in place, how are we moving forward? That's what's important. Delay is not our friend in this situation, and that's my focus.”
