Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program

In 2019, the states of Washington and Oregon committed to restarting work to replace the I-5 bridge. This effort is called the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program. Supporting IBR implementation is a top priority for the City of Vancouver.

Please visit the official IBR website for details, including:

• A program description (what it includes)
• How to get involved
• Resources and background information

Latest news

The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the IBR program is now available for public review through November 18. During this time, community members can provide feedback on the analysis of benefits and impacts of program investments, including design options and potential mitigation measures. Feedback will help shape the solution that advances to the Final SEIS. There are multiple ways to comment, including an online form, by email, by voicemail on a toll-free hotline, at a virtual event, or at the open house in Vancouver on Oct. 15 at Clark College. Please visit the Draft SEIS website for details.

In addition to IBR’s events, the City will have an IBR table at the Old Apple Tree Festival (Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 am to 3 p.m. at Old Apple Tree Park),. Staff will also present relevant findings from the Draft SEIS to various City of Vancouver boards and commissions. These public meetings are opportunities for community members to listen, learn and provide feedback to City staff (they are not official channels for providing comments on the Draft SEIS). Visit the City’s calendar for meeting agendas and details on these scheduled presentations by City staff:

• Parking Advisory Committee: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 8 a.m.
  Staff Memo – Presentation
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4:30 p.m.
  Staff Memo – Presentation
• City Center Redevelopment Authority: Thursday, Oct. 17, 12:30 p.m.
  Staff Memo – Presentation
• Planning Commission: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m.
  Staff Memo – Presentation
• Aviation Advisory Committee: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m.
  Staff Memo
• Transportation and Mobility Commission: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m.
  Staff Memo – Presentation
• Culture, Arts & Heritage Commission: Thursday, Nov. 7, noon

Program overview

The I-5 bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure that connects the Portland/Vancouver region and is the only continuous north-south interstate on the West Coast between Mexico and Canada. Replacement of the bridge will address critical seismic vulnerability issues. It is also a significant opportunity to improve the I-5 corridor through Vancouver, addressing challenges with:

• growing travel demand and congestion,
• impaired freight movement,
• limited public transportation,
• inadequate bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and
• safety concerns with existing roadway design.

Accordingly, the IBR Program includes a variety of investments along the five-mile corridor. The program is centering climate and equity as part of the design process.

The City’s role

The City of Vancouver is one of 10 public agencies that are partnering to develop and implement the IBR program, which is led by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Washington State Department of Transportation. Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and the City Manager represent the City of Vancouver on the Executive Steering Group.

Milestone documents

• Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)
• City Council supports the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
• Equitable Transportation Investment Strategy
• IBR Program recommendation for a Modified Locally Preferred Alternative
• City Council resolution on desired outcomes for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
• City Council resolution to begin the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program